The failure analysis of bolted repair on composite laminate

bolted repair of composite laminates is analyzed based on the assumptions of rigid bolts and compatible deformation between laminate and patch. The loads transmitted to the external patches through the bolts are determined and transferred to a cosine distribution loading applied on each bolt hole. The fmite element method is used to obtain the stress distribution in the laminate. The Yamada failure criteria combined with characteristic curve are employed to determine the strength and failure mode of the damaged composite laminate after the bolted repair. The results are presented for different arrangements of bolts and patch materials, to evaluate the method of bolted repair on composite laminate. 0 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.