Experimental and numerical failure analysis of pinned-joints in composite materials

In this paper, failure load and failure mode of glass-epoxy composite plates with single and double parallel pinned-joints have analysed experimentally and numerically. Two variables were investigated during analyses; the distance from the free edge of plate to the diameter of the first hole (E/D) ratio (2, 3, 4, 5), and the width of the specimen to the diameter of the holes (W/D) ratios (2, 3, 4, 5). Experiments were carried out according to the ASTM D953-D [ASTM D 953-D, Standard test method for bearing strength of plastics, ASTM designation. p. 342–6.]. The numerical study was performed by means of ANSYS finite element analysis program. Yamada-Sun failure criterion was used for failure analyses. Mechanical properties of the composite material were obtained according to ASTM standards. The results showed that the pin hole farthest from the free edge is subjected to the highest stress. A good agreement was obtained between experimental results and numerical predictions.