Modelling and experimental parameter identification for fasteners in composite–aluminium bolted structures

Deformation of composite–aluminium bolted joints subjected to uniaxial quasistatic tension load is modelled using an Iwan model for each fastener. Experimental data obtained with the digital image correlation technique are used to identify a suitable Iwan model distribution function and parameters to represent the bolts in single-shear and double-shear bolted lap joints. It is seen that the model, with parameters identified from the experiments, represents the displacements of the joint correctly, and an implementation in a commercial finite element software is demonstrated. The proposed model is intended as a computationally efficient structural element for modelling structures containing multiple fasteners.