Numerical analysis of tensile failure of bolted composite laminates

Purpose The influence of the number and arrangement of bolts on the tensile properties of bolted composite laminates was studied in the present study. Design/methodology/approach Based on the finite element model, the stiffness degradation method is used to simulate the damage evolution process for the failure of bolted composite laminates. Using ABAQUS finite element software combined with material failure criteria, the numerical calculation of the connection strength and failure mode of bolted composite laminates was carried out. Findings The results of the study show that the tensile strength of the composite laminates connected by three bolts is higher than that of the laminates connected by two bolts. And the arrangement of different bolts has a great influence on the failure strength of bolted laminates. Originality/value Bolted connection of composite laminates is a common problem in engineering practice. The effect of bolt arrangement and number on the strength of composite laminates is studied in this manuscript.