Finite element modelling and analysis of simple lap joints

In this paper, in order to investigate simple lap joint´s behavior, finite element models (FEM) were examined by using the simple plate-fastener system. The essence of this paper is to explore the simplest way of the finite element modeling of the simple lap joint. For that reason, various finite element models are created and analyzed with MSC. Nastran-Patran package software. Results are compared with previous studies. Although, using 3-dimentional elements in FEM modeling result in more accurate output, it is not in the scope of this study, because of 3-dimentional modeling is complicated and takes much more time. In the developed models plates are represented by shell elements, while the fastener nut is modeled by using rigid elements and three different type fastener shanks are modeled by rigid, beam and cbush elements.