Experimental Failure Analysis of Bolted Joints in Moisture- and Temperature-Induced Composite Laminates under Preload

In this study, an experimental investigation was carried out in a bolted glass fiber-reinforced laminate under preload moments. The stacking sequence at the composite laminate was chosen as [90 degrees/0 degrees/45 degrees/-30 degrees](s). The preload moments were selected as 2, 4, and 6 Nm, in order to compare the influence of preload moments on failure modes and strengths. Some specimens were subjected to hot pure water at 70 degrees C for 7 days. The bearing strength in this case was measured again under the same preload moments of 2, 4, and 6 Nm. It is found that the bearing strength of the specimen waited in hot water was 5.4% smaller than that of the specimen in dry condition. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:173-178, 2010. (C) 2009 Society of Plastics Engineer