TY - JOUR
T1 - A highly efficient user-defined finite element for load distribution analysis of large-scale bolted composite structures
AU - Gray, P. J.
AU - McCarthy, C. T.
PY - 2011/8/19
Y1 - 2011/8/19
N2 - This paper presents the development of a highly efficient user-defined finite element for modelling the bolt-load distribution in large-scale composite structures. The method is a combined analytical/numerical approach and is capable of representing the full non-linear load-displacement behaviour of bolted composite joints both up to, and including, joint failure. In the elastic range, the method is generic and is a numerical extension of a closed-form method capable of modelling the load distribution in single-column joints. A semi-empirical approach is used to model failure initiation and energy absorption in the joint and this has been successfully applied in models of single-bolt, single-lap joints. In terms of large-scale applications, the method is validated against an experimental study of complex load distributions in multi-row, multi-column joints. The method is robust, accurate and highly efficient, thus demonstrating its potential as a time/cost saving design tool for the aerospace industry and indeed other industries utilising bolted composite structures.
AB - This paper presents the development of a highly efficient user-defined finite element for modelling the bolt-load distribution in large-scale composite structures. The method is a combined analytical/numerical approach and is capable of representing the full non-linear load-displacement behaviour of bolted composite joints both up to, and including, joint failure. In the elastic range, the method is generic and is a numerical extension of a closed-form method capable of modelling the load distribution in single-column joints. A semi-empirical approach is used to model failure initiation and energy absorption in the joint and this has been successfully applied in models of single-bolt, single-lap joints. In terms of large-scale applications, the method is validated against an experimental study of complex load distributions in multi-row, multi-column joints. The method is robust, accurate and highly efficient, thus demonstrating its potential as a time/cost saving design tool for the aerospace industry and indeed other industries utilising bolted composite structures.
KW - A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
KW - B. Non-linear behaviour
KW - Bolted joints
KW - C. Finite element analysis (FEA)
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79961208584&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.compscitech.2011.06.011
DO - 10.1016/j.compscitech.2011.06.011
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:79961208584
SN - 0266-3538
VL - 71
SP - 1517
EP - 1527
JO - Composites Science and Technology
JF - Composites Science and Technology
IS - 12
ER -