Failure Analysis of Bolted Composite Joints Exhibiting In-Plane Failure Modes

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Abstract
The Damage Zone Model (DZM) is applied for simultaneous in-plane, net-tension, and shear-out failure analysis of T300/914C graphite/epoxy [0/90/±45,]-type laminates containing a single, perfect-fit, finger-tight, bolt-loaded hole. DZM is a general in-plane failure model for composites with arbitrarily shaped cutouts or in other ways experiencing stress gradients. The DZM parameters (laminate strength and fracture energy properties), two for each failure mode, are determined from the strength of standard notched and unnotched coupon specimens. Neither DZM, nor its parameters, are in any way modified or calibrated for bolted-joint application. For the given joint geometry, DZM correctly predicts a dominant shear-out failure for all laminates. The joint strength predictions are well within ± 10% of the experimental results.