Vol.8, No1, 2008, pp. 23-30
UDC 620.17:621.882

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the failure analysis in multi- layered composite structures with special view on impact of geometrical discontinuities on stress level at which initial failure occurs. The paper considers strength of layered components containing pin-loaded holes. The investigation is focused on developing reliable computation procedure to analyze initial failure load for pin-loaded holes at the layered composite structures. Finite element method (FEM) is used to determine stress distribution around the fastener hole. Chang-Scott-Springer characteristic curve model and Tsai-Wu initial failure criterion are used to determine joint failure. Special attention in this work is focused on pin-load distribution from bolt body and its effect on load level and location of failure. Here the contact finite element pin-lug model is analysed. The influence of stacking sequences of layered composites containing pin-loaded holes is investigated too. Very good correlation is obtained by comparison of computational results with own and available experimental results.

Keywords: composites, pin-loaded joints, failure analysis, finite element method (FEM), contact problem