The Strength of Bolted Joints in Multi-Directional CFRP Laminates

Abstract

Tests have been carried out on simple bolted joints in multi-directional CFRP for a range of laminate configurations and hole sizes. For single-hole joints the various modes of failure have been isolated and the corresponding strengths measured; the effects of variables such as ply orientation, laminate thickness and bolt clamping pressure are discussed in the light of the results. Multi-hole joints have been designed using the single-hole data and test results show that for normal bolt spacings there is little interaction between holes. The results also show that the specific static strengths of these joints can be significantly better than those in conventional materials such as aluminium alloy and steel. * Replaces RAE Technical Report 75127 - ARC 36968