Quasi-static behaviour of composite joints with countersunk composite and metal fasteners

An experimental study of the quasi-static behaviour of composite joints has been carried out. Composite plates were joined by six fasteners of three d ifferent types: composite, titanium Torque-set, and titanium Huck-comp. Spe cimens were quasi-statically tested to obtain results of the joint tensile and compressive strength. Strain gauge and extensometer measurements were u sed to investigate the static behaviour of the joints. Strain gauge measure ments were carried out to analyse strain distribution and load transfer bet ween bolt rows. Extensometer measurements were done in order to observe bol t-movement behaviour. Generally, composite joints with titanium fasteners h ave a higher quasi-static strength than that with composite fasteners. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.