LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE DESIGN OF COMPOSITE MECHANICALLY FASTENED JOINTS

This report presents a literature review of the state-of-the-art analytical and experimental methodologies adopted in the aerospace industry for the design of mechanical1y fastened joints in composite structures. Results and conclusions obtained from the published literature relating to the effects of critical parameters, which include composite material system, fastener configuration and joint geometry, on the mechanical behaviour and failure modes of composite mechanically fastened joints are discussed. Further research required to improve the design of composite mechanically fastened joints is identified as a result of this review.