Composite bolt-hole clearance

This chapter presents both experimaital and finite element approaches that are commonly used to assist in the design and failure analysis of composite bolted joints. The work presented mostly stems from the authors work in the field over the past decade. Results from both local (i.e. detailed) finite element and global (Le. efficient) closed form and finite element approaches are presented, and expmmental results from the open literature are used to both calibrate and validate the modelling procedures. The primary variable under consideration is bolt-hole clearance, which is chosen as it induces significant three-dimensional stresses into the joint, and significandy alters the bolt-load distribution in multi-bolt joints, and so provides a rigorous test case for analysis. 

McCarthy MA, Lawlor VP, Stanley WF, McCarthy CT. Bolt-hole clearance effects and strength criteria in single-bolt, single-lap, composite bolted joints. Compos Sci Technol 2002 62(10-11) 1415-31. 

McCarthy CT, McCarthy MA. Three-dimensional finite element analysis of single-bolt, single-lap composite bolted joints part II — effects of bolt-hole clearance. Compos Struct 2005 71(2) 159-75. 

Lawlor VP. An experimental study of the effects of variable bolt-hole clearance on the mechanical behaviour of composite bolted joints, Ph.D. thesis. Ireland University of Limerick 2004. 

McCarthy MA, McCarthy CT, Padhi GS. A simple method for determining the effects of bolt-hole clearance on load distribution in single-column, multi-bolt composite joints. Compos Stmct 2006 73(l) 78-87. 

McCarthy MA, Lawlor VP, Stanley WF. An experimental study of bolt-hole clearance effects in single-lap, multi-bolt composite joints. J Compos Mater 2005 39(9) 799—825. Hart-Smith LJ. Design and empirical analysis of bolted or riveted joints. In Joining fibre reinforced plastics. Elsevier Science 1987. pp. 227—69. 

McCarthy CT, McCarthy MA. Progressive damage analysis of multi-bolt composite joints with variahle holt-hole clearances. Compos Part B 2005 36 290-305. 

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