Experimental and numerical investigation of composite bolted π-joint subjected to bending load

This present work investigated the failure mechanism of a novel composite bolted π-joint subjected to bending load by experimental and finite element simulation. A test sample manufactured by resin transfer moulding process (RTM) was tested. A 3D progressive damage model developed in ABAQUS/Standard was used to simulate the failure of the π-joint. Based on good correlation of failure load and damage distribution between experimental results and FE prediction, further investigation was extended to the effect of two primary assembly clearances on mechanical behavior of the π-joint. The study results reveal that delamination of the fillet region in L-preform is the π-joint's failure mode. Moreover, the assembly clearances have little effect on the failure load of the joint.