A Parametric Study on Particulate Al-SiC Composite Bolted Joints
The main objective of this study is to predict theoretically the stress distributions around the holes in a bolted joint made of particulate metal matrix composite and to investigate the associated load transfer efficiencies both for a single and double lap bolted joints. A three-dimensional finite element parametric model has been developed to examine the effects of various design parameters on the structural performance of such joints. The main feature of this model is explicit modeling of the sliding interfaces between the connected plates and the washers, and those between the hole and the bolt. The model response showed an excellent agreement with a closed form solution as well as experimental data. The results indicated that unsymmetric configuration of single lap joints causes bending as the load is applied, which is opposite of the double lap joints. This research quantifies the relationship between the stress developed around the hole and washer diameter, tightening pressure, and clearance between the bolt and hole. It was also observed that variations in Young's modulus have no significant effect on the stress concentration around the hole.