Three Dimensional Stress Analysis of Fastener Hole Composites

Three dimensional contact problem describing the interaction between composite plate with a circular hole and elastic fastener has been solved by using spline variational method. An algorithm capable of adjusting the nonuniform through the thickness contact zone was developed. Behavior of all stress components has been studied in the vicinity of a rigid fastener hole edge and +/−45 ply interface in a [45/−45]s AS4/3501-6 laminate under uniaxial tension. Asymptotic solution valid in the vicinity of the ply interface and hole edge, which is in contact with a rigid fastener has been obtained. Significantly higher powers of singularity were observed at the edge of the fastener hole as compared to that for open hole. Good agreement between one term asymptotic solution and spline variational solution for all stress components was observed in the filled hole tension problem.