A Stacked-Shell Finite Element Approach for Modelling a Dynamically Loaded Composite Bolted Joint Under in-Plane Bearing Loads

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study into a novel application of the "stackedshell" laminate modelling approach to dynamically loaded bolted composite joints using the explicit finite element code PAM-CRASH. The stacked-shell approach provides mediumhigh fidelity resolution of the key joint failure modes, but is computationally much more efficient than full 3D modelling. For this work, a countersunk bolt in a composite laminate under in-plane bearing loading was considered. The models were able to predict the onset of damage, failure modes and the ultimate load of the joint. It was determined that improved debris models are required in order to accurately capture the progressive bearing damage after the onset of joint failure.

Finite element analysis of catastrophic failure of dynamically-loaded countersunk composite fuselage joints

“…The scatter was not unique to this test series and had been previously attributed by Li et al [32] to the instabilities which arise as fasteners progressively pull through composite material. Considering both the significant experimental scatter and the limitations of modelling debris using mesh-based methods [12], accurate prediction of energy absorption is considered to be beyond the capability of the current models. Thus, the focus here is on the prediction of variations in energy absorption across the range of joints considered.…”

“…For these reasons, explicit FEA is set to play an increasingly important role in simulating failure of complex aircraft structures [10]. et al [11] A highly efficient global modelling approach was developed, in which laminates were modelled using shell elements, and joint behaviour was represented by et al [12] [11]…”

A study of dynamic pull-through failure of composite bolted joints using the stacked-shell finite element approach

“…In this work, the stacked-shell modelling approach described in detail in [16] was utilised to model the bolted joint. The techniques used here replicate the approach used in [16] unless expressly discussed below.…”

“…The sublaminates are given typical in-plane composite properties, while a cohesive zone delamination model (CZDM) is applied to the tie links between sublaminates to represent delamination and through-thickness failure modes. Greve and Pickett [17] have shown that the stacked-shell approach is elastically nearly identical to other laminate modelling approaches, while Pearce et al [16] showed that a stacked-shell approach captures complex failure mechanisms, such as bolt bearing, well. A schematic view of the stacked-shell modelling approach is shown in Figure 4.…”

Experimental Validation of Composite Structures in Explicit Impact Analysis

“…The main advantage of this modeling technique is the revocation of aspect ratio restrictions concerning the in-plane and through thickness element dimensions, presenting obvious advantages in regard to simulation accuracy and computational efficiency, compared to traditional modeling techniques. In the studies [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] of the literature the use of the stacked shell method has been reported for the simulation of composite laminates.…”