On the prediction of bolted single-lap composite joints

A new set of failure criteria to predict composite failure in single lap bolted joints is proposed. The pres ent failure criteria are an extension of Chang Lessard criteria considering a three dimensional stress field and including out of plane failure modes. The advantage with respect to other three dimensional failure criteria is the consideration of non linear shear stress strain relationship. The failure criteria were imple mented in a finite element model and validated through comparison with experiments in literature. Stresses were calculated by a non linear finite element model developed in ABAQUS/Standard which con siders material and geometric nonlinearities. A progressive damage model was implemented in a USDFLD subroutine. The model predicted the effect of secondary bending and tightening torque showing an excel lent agreement with experimental results. Moreover, results were compared with those reported in lit erature using Hashin failure criteria. In addition, a parametric study was carried out to analyse the influence of friction coefficient and tightening torque.