Finite element analysis of bolted connections for PFRP composites

Structural applications of composite laminates are increasing with the drive for high strength, lightweight component design. These applications usually require joining composites either to composites or metals. Most commonly,joints are formed using mechanical fasteners. Therefore suitable prediction methods must be developed to determine failure strength and failure modes of these bolted connections. In this paper, three-dimensional finite element analysis is conducted on single and multi-bolted connections to determine the failure process, ultimate load and load distribution among the fasteners, taking into consideration bolt-hole contact problem in the finite element model. The strength analysis is based on Tsai-Wu tensor polynomial failure criterion which is applied to the laminate as a whole.