Survey of Bolted-Joint Technology in Composite Laminates

Mechanically fastened joints in composites with variations in both laminate properties and joint configurations have been tested and evaluated in numerous works. Indications are that bolted joints for multiorientation laminates can be structurally efficient and cost effective. The specific static strength of joints in fiber composites can be significantly better than those in metals. As described in the following review, there are several dominant aspects of the bolt-bearing problem in composites, including stress analysis as complicated by anisotropy, heterogeneity and bolt-hole interaction, stable damage development and associated local failure criteria, reduction of stress concentration factors by damage development, and final failure modes and criteria.