Progressive failure analysis of bolted single-lap composite joint based on extended finite element method

In this paper, extend finite element method (XFEM) is used to predict the failure of single-lap bolted joints. To simplify calculation of XFEM model, composite laminates of joint are modeled using linear elastic properties. Three-dimensional equivalent material properties are calculated by the MATLAB code written by author. Progressive failure of bolted single-lap composite joint is investigated, and the failure load of joint simulated by XFEM is compared with experiments in literature. Then the influences of geometric parameters on failure load of one bolt single-lap composite joint are studied. Two geometric parameters include plate width-to-hole diameter ratio (W/D) and the edge-to-hole diameter ratio (E/D). At last the failure of single-lap joints with one bolt and two bolts are compared.

► MATLAB code can calculate the three-dimensional equivalent modulus of laminate precisely and reduce computation cost.
► Extend finite element method (XFEM) is successful at simulating progressive failure of single-lap bolted composite joint.
► The influences of geometric parameters on failure load and bearing strength of joint are investigated.