An analytical method for failure prediction of multi-fastener composite joints

An analytical method is developed for failure prediction of composite bolted joints with multiple fasteners. The flexibility of all members in the joint is taken into account. A complex variational approach is proposed for the stress analysis of the component plates which involves multiple loaded holes and a strength of materials approach is used for the analysis of fasteners which axe modeled as short elastic beams. These analyses are carried out in an iterative scheme which provides the stress distributions in the jointed plates. The failure strength and mode of the joint are predicted using the results from the joint analysis along with the well-known point stress criterion. The effectiveness of the analytical method developed is demonstrated by the comparisons made between the results of the present analysis for several joints and the data available in the literature. Crown Copyright 0 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.