Enhanced design methods for mechanically fastened joints in composite structures

This paper presents a new methodology for the dimensioning of mechanically fastened joints in advanced composite materials. The stress distribution is obtained using analytical or semi-analytical solutions. The elastic limit of the joint, defined as the load corresponding to the onset of damage, is predicted using recently proposed failure criteria that accounts for the increased strength of a ply when it is embedded in a multidirectional laminate. The ultimate failure of the joint is predicted using fibre failure criteria and a characteristic curve. The methodology proposed is implemented in a computational model and the predictions are compared with experimental data.