Three-Dimensional Strain Analysis of Single-Lap Bolted Joints in Thick Composites Using Fibre-Optic Gauges and the Finite-Element Method

Bolted joints involving composite plates used to be almost entirely dedicated to aerospace applications. As the need for energy conservation has increased, the field of composite bolted joints has found new applications in ground armoured vehicles. Thick panels able to withstand large in-plane and impact loads are critical. The present investigation evaluates the interior strain field, through the thickness, of a composite plate connected to an aluminium panel with a single-lap bolted joint. The area of interest is the bearing plane region close to the hole because of the presence of stress concentrations that heavily modify the stress field. Experimental data for the bolted joint were rec…