Effect of geometric parameters on the stress distribution in Al 2024-T3 single-lap bolted joints

By: M. Keikhosravi, RH Oskouei, Payam Soltani, A. Atas, C. Soutis

Purpose - The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of geometric variables on the stress and strain distributions as well as non-linear deformation behaviour of aluminium alloy 2024-T3 single-lap bolted joints loaded in tension.

Design/methodology/approach - The study has been conducted by using numerical and experimental approaches. In the numerical part, 3-D FE models were generated using ANSYS software for different e/d and W/d ratios in which e and W are variables but the hole diameter (d) is constant. Stress and displacement results for each case have been discussed to better explain the mode of failure. In the experimental part, e/d=3 and W/d=6 ratios were selected as constant and testing specimens were produced accordingly. The aim was to obtain baseline experimental load-strain and load-displacement values for selected specimen geometry coordinated with the numerical analyses.

Findings - The good agreement between the experimental and numerical analysis provided confidence in the numerical methodology used to evaluate the different geometric variables. The results showed that the single-lap bolted plates with optimised W/d and e/d ratios could shift the failure mode from net-tension and shear-out to bearing failure by directing the maximum damaging stresses from the stress concentration region and shear-out planes towards the bearing region, leading to higher failure loads.

Originality/value - - Developing a FE model of single-lap bolted joints with a non-linear material model. - 3D stress analysis as well as non-linear deformation behaviour of bolted plates. - Optimisation of plates’ width (W) and edge distance (e) to control failure modes. - Bigger W/d and e/d ratios shift net-tension and shear-out to bearing failure mode.

Link:

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=17010368&show=abstract