Failure analysis of composite single bolted-joints subjected to bolt pretension

Abstract

In this study, failure analysis of composite single bolted joints has been performed. To determine effects of joint geometry and stacking sequences of laminated composite plates on bearing strength and failure mode, experimental studies have been carried out by which edge distance-to-hole diameter ratio (E/D), and plate width-to-hole diameter ratio (W/D) are varied from 1 to 5 and 2 to 5, respectively. In addition, bolt pretensions of 0, 3 and 6 Nm are applied. The composite laminated plates are stacked with the following four different orientations: [0^o/0^o/30^o/30^o]_s, [0^o/0^o/45^o/45^o]_s, [0^o/0^o/60^o/60^o]_s, and [0^o/0^o/90^o/90^o]_s. Experimental results show that failure mode and bearing strength are closely related to by stacking sequence of plates, geometrical parameters, and bold tension. An increase in bolt pretension positively affected failure behaviour of bolted joints.