Failure load prediction of composite joints using linear analysis

ABSTRACT: With the wide application of fiber-reinforced composite materials in aero-structures, robotic arms, and mechanical parts, the design of composite joints has become a very important research area. In this article, linear finite element analyses in which the pin of the composite joint is assumed to be a frictionless rigid body are performed and the failure load of the mechanically fastened composite joint is predicted by the failure area index (FAI) method. From these analyses, it has been found that the FAI method can predict the failure loads of composite joints to within 20.1%. KEY WORDS: composite joint, failure criterion, joint strength