Stress analysis of fatigue cracks in mechanically fastened joints: An analytical and experimental investigation

The two historical fuselage failures, Comet in 1954 and Aloha in 1988, illustrate that similar accidents must be avoided which requires a profound understanding of the fatigue mechanisms involved, including analytical models to predict the fatigue behavior of riveted joints of a fuselage structure. The scope of the research project covers a...

Damage tolerance analyses of bolt/nut assemblies

Probably one of the most challenging problems in fracture mechanics is related to its application to fastener and joints. By nature, not only the quality such as material, manufacturing and mounting processes, of the fasteners are playing a role, but also the stiffness, surface conditions and geometry of the parts are to be considered. Moreover,...

The static strenght of mechanically fastened carbon-epoxy joints without bending

The mechanical behaviour of mechanically fastened double lap carbon-epoxy joints has been investigated both by experiments (static tests) and by analysis. Several fastener types and joint geometries has been investigated. In the experimental programme the Fibredux 6376/T400H material was used. Two methods to analyze mechanically fastened...

Fatigue Rated Fastener Systems: an AGARD coordinated testing programme

The report contains the description, results and conclusions of a fatigue test programme which assessed the fatigue lives of fastener systems using different joints. High load transfer single shear joints were evaluated in a core programme; secondary bending and load transfer were determined experimentally. About 750 specimens were fatigue...

Some tests to assess the effect of crack stoppers on the fatigue life of centre-notched sheetspecimens

Several simple crack stopping methods were evaluated In fatigue crack propagation tests on 2024-T3 Alclad sheet specimens. After precracklng until a crack of 40 mm was obtained crack stoppers were Installed and the fatigue test was continued. Crack stoppers Installed In stop holes were: a blind rivet, a hard driven rivet, a heavily tightened...

Flight simulation fatigue tests on lugs with holes expanded according to the split-sleeve cold work method

Flight simulation tests on 2024-T3 and 7075-T6 lug specimens indicated significant fatigue life improvements obtained by expanding the holes in accordance with the split-sleeve cold work method. Geometrical distortions induced by the expansion were measured. The significance of residual stresses is analysed with reference to depth of penetration...