A three-dimensional progressive damage model for bolted joints in composite laminates subjected to tensile loading

A three-dimensional progressive damage model was developed to simulate the damage accumulation and predict the residual strength and final failure mode of bolted composite joints under in-plane tensile loading. The parametric study included stress analysis, failure analysis and material property degradation. Stress analysis of the three-dimensional geometry was performed numerically using the finite element code ANSYS with special attention given to the detailed modelling of the area around the bolt in order to account for all damage modes. Failure analysis and degradation of material properties were implemented using a set of stress-based Hashin-type failure criteria and a set of appropriate degradation rules, respectively. In order to validate the finite element model, a comparison of stress distributions with results from analytical models found in the literature was carried out and good agreement was obtained. A parametric study was performed to examine the effect of bolt position and friction upon damage accumulation and residual strength.