Stress Analysis Around the Interference-fit Joint of CFRP/metal Stacks

Abstract

Abstract Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites and traditional metal alloy are both widely applied in modern aircrafts. The mechanical performances between CFRP laminate and metal alloy are totally different, the stress of CFRP/metal stacks around the interference-fit joint is severely non-uniform. Therefore, the stress distribution for the contact interface of CFRP/metal stacks was investigated by finite element simulation in detail. First, the assembly process of the interference-fit bolt with CFRP/metal stacks was partitioned into six stages. Secondly, an accurate 3D finite element model was established by ABAQUS to simulate the hi-lock bolt interference fit assembly process with CFRP/metal stacks. Finally, the stress magnitude and distribution of interference-fit interface were compared and analysed. It was observed that the interference percentages and friction coefficient were the two major factors that affected the non-uniform stress distribution. The stress on the contact interface of the stacks was less than that on the free surface and decreased with moving away from the bolt.