FE Modeling for Load Distribution Analysis of Multi-Bolt Composite Joints

Multi-bolt composite joints are widely used in the primary structures because of their advantages of high reliability, load carrying capability, and maintainability. Load distribution analyses, as the precondition of strength analysis and design of multi-bolt composite joints, have attracted extensive attention over decades. The conventional 2D FEM, new 2D FEM and 3D FEM were established to analyze the load distribution of a typical single-lap three-bolt composite joint. The effect of friction on the load distribution results of 3D FEM was investigated. Furthermore, the load distribution of the joint was examined by using a theoretical spring model and load distribution experiments. Based on the investigation of experimental and numerical results, the load distribution character of single-lap three-bolt composite joint was obtained, and the suitability of different FE models was verified.