Multi-bolt joints load distribution

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, 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. 

Gray PJ, McCarthy CT. A global bolted joint model for finite element analysis of load distributions in multi-bolt composite joints. Compos Part B-Engineering 2010 41(4) 317-25. 

McCarthy CT, Gray PJ. An analytical model for the prediction of load distribution in highly torqued multi-bolt composite joints. Compos Struct 2011 92(2) 287—98. 

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