BOJCAS: Bolted joints in composite aircraft structures

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 99.0699

Key words (English)

Composite structures; bolted joints; damage models; finite elements; fracture mechanics;
Aerospace Technology; Economic Aspects; Industrial Manufacture; Information Processing; Information Systems; Transport

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: G4RD-1999-00036

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.3.4 New perspectives in aeronautics

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: University of Limerick (IRL)

Abstract (English)

The objective is to develop advanced numerical design methods for bolted joints in composite aircraft structures. This is a critical technology supportive of introducing composites to the primary structure of large commercial aircraft. Current design methods date from the 70s/80s, are largely empirical, and are very conservative and reliant on testing. The methods developed will use modern computing power and will be more adaptable to new materials, and configurations. They have the potential to significantly reduce testing, and hence time/cost of development, as well as aircraft weight with consequent increase in efficiency.

They will also improve confidence in safety. The methods will be validated with a large test programme. The main results will be:
- preliminary design methods;
- detailed design methods;
- methods to couple preliminary/detailed design methods, and;
- design guidelines for composite bolted joints.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 99.0699