STRENGTH ANALYSIS OF COMPOSITE AND METALLIC PLATES BOLTED: TOGETHER BY A SINGLE FASTENER

Abstract : This report presents a strength analysis for laminated and/or metallic plates bolted together by a single fastener. The analysis has been programmed to be the SASCJ (Strength Analysis of Single Fastener Composite Joints) computer code. SASCJ includes: a two dimensional analysis of doubly- connected anisotropic plates accounting for finite plate dimensions (FIGEOM); a fastener analysis that approximately accounts for the local three dimensional effects (FDFA); and a progressive failure procedure that predicts a sequence of two-stage ply failures (assuming a bilinear ply behavior) using average stress failure criteria at the ply level. Predictions made by FIGEOM and FDFA are independently validated using available analytical and numerical solutions. Strength predictions made by SASCJ are compared with experimental results generated in the program, including the general bearing/by-pass situations. Analytical predictions demonstrate a good correlation with observed failure modes and measured joint strengths. The use of the SASCJ computer code will be explained, with examples in the dsign guide that will be issued at the conclusion of the program. Keywords: Bolted joints in composite structures; Analysis of finite plates; Progressive failure analysis; Strength predictions for general bearing/by-pass situations; Bearing strength; Aircraft components.