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 mod e of bolted composite joints under in-plane tensile loading. The parametric study included stress analysis, failure analysis and material property deg radation. Stress analysis of the three-dimensional geometry was performed n umerically 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 properti es were implemented using a set of stress-based Hashin-type failure criteri a and a set of appropriate degradation rules, respectively. In order to val idate the finite element model, a comparison of stress distributions with r esults from analytical models found in the literature was carried out and g ood agreement was obtained. A parametric study was performed to examine the effect of bolt position and friction upon damage accumulation and residual strength.