Behavior of Bolted Joints in 3-D Braided Composites

by Rona L. Reid, Coll of Textiles North Carolina, State Univ, Raleigh, United States,
Aly El-Shiekh, Coll of Textiles North Carolina, State Univ, Raleigh, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space IV

Abstract:

As composites are used more as replacements for metals in space structures, the question arises as to the most efficient way to join the components. Mechanical fasteners are a common joining method for traditional materials and show promise in composites. The use of bolts or rivets requires an opening for fastener insertion. Drilling this opening can damage the composite and reduce the bearing strength. This problem can be eliminated by molding the hole, thus improving the performance of the material. This paper investigates the effect of the hole formation process on the bearing behavior of bolted joints in 3-D braided graphite/epoxy composites.

Subject Headings: Composite materials | Fastening | Bolted connections | Structural behavior | Strength of materials | Minerals | Materials processing

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