Static Strength Prediction of Bolted Joint in Composite Material

A new method of predicting the strength of double shear single fastener composite joints is presented. The analysis method consists of calculating the stress distribution around a fastener hole using a finite exement analysis and predicting the various modes of laminate failure through the use of the average stress criterion as o riginally suggested and through same modifications to the criterion. Several joint configurations of a composite bolt bearing specimen have been analyzed using the method discussed above. The net tension and bearing and shearout modes of failures have been predicted analytically. The analytical predictions have been compared with available experimental data and good correlation has been obtained.