Effect of preload moment on the strength of mechanically fastened joints in woven glass-epoxy prepregs

Abstract This study presents the effects of geometric parameters of mechanically fastened joints on their ultimate bearing strength, net ultimate tensile strength and ultimate shear strength under various preloads. In the experiments, two different geometric parameters were considered: edge distance-to-hole diameter ratio (E/D) and plate width-to-hole diameter ratio (W/D), and magnitudes of preload moments applied on the specimens at about 0, 2, 4 and 6 Nm. Damage to the specimens subjected to different moments of the same geometric dimensions was examined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental test results showed that the ultimate bearing strengths, net ultimate tensile strengths and ultimate shear strengths are strictly affected by the geometrical parameters and the magnitude of the preload moment.