Royal Aeronautical Society, Australia Division (Melbourne, Australia)
Abstract
An experimental investigation was conducted into the effects of bolt-hole clearance on the static strength and damage progression behaviour of single lap countersunk composite bolted joints. Joints were manufactured from carbon/epoxy plain weave fabric and tested with three different bolt clearance levels. The experimental results showed that the bolt-hole clearance had a minimal effect on the ultimate failure load of the bolted joint. However, a significant reduction (approx. 22%) was observed in the bearing damage initiation load, consistent with difference in the through-thickness damage profile. Finite element analysis was conducted, and was able to accurately capture the load-displacement behaviour and through-thickness damage profile of the joints
