Load Transfer Analysis of Cracked Bolted Joints

Three-dimensional finite element model of a cracked bolted joint has been developed in the non-linear finite element code MSC.Marc and attempts were made to validate it by comparing results with those of experiments and other finite element. Issues in modeling the contact between the joint parts, which affect the accuracy and efficiency of the model, were presented. Experimental measurements of load transfer were compared with results from finite element analysis. The results show that three-dimensional finite element model of cracked bolted joint can produce results in close agreement with experiment. Three-dimensional effects such as bolt titling, seconding and through-thickness variations in stress and strain are well represented by such models. Three-dimensional finite element analysis was also used to study the effects of hole mod and crack on the load transfer behaviour of single lap bolted joints. The results show that hole mode has big effect on load transfer of cracked bolted joint. In the whole progress of crack growth, the load transfer through bolt 1 decrease, and almost all of the load duduction of bolt 1 transfer into blot 2 rather than into bolt 3.