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Simplified Design Procedures for Fiber Composite Structural Components-Joints

Simplified step—by-step design procedures are summarized, which are suitable
for the preliminary design of composite structural components such as panels
(laminates) and composite built—up structures (box beams). Similar procedures
are also summarized for the preliminary design of composite bolted and adhe-
sively bonded joints. The summary is presented in terms of sample design cases
complemented with typical results. Guidelines are provided which can be used
in the design selection process of composite structural components/joints.
Also, procedures to account for cyclic loads, hygrothermal effects and lamina—
tion residual stresses are included.

The fiber composites technology is rapidly maturing to the extent that these
composites have been used as prime materials in advanced aerospace structures
where performance is important. As the cost becomes competitive with conven—
tional materials, fiber composites become attractive alternatives for use in
more traditional applications where cost rather than performance is the major
design driver. Fiber composite structures, like other structures, are assem—
blages of typical structural components. A typical fiber composite structural
component is a panel or plate subjected to in-plane loads.

The design of fiber composite structural components requires analysis methods
and procedures which relate the structural response of the component to the
specified loading and environmental conditions. The structural response is
eventually compared to given design criteria for strength, displacement, buck—
ling, vibration frequencies, etc., in order to ascertain that the component
will perform satisfactorily. Though there are several recent books on compos-
ite mechanics available [1-6], none covers design procedures for fiber compos-
ite structural components in any detail.

Another important aspect in composite structural design is joints. It is
generally considered that joints determine the structural integrity. Composite
joints have been extensively investigated in recent years. Results of these
investigations are reported, in part, in symposium proceedings [7,8]. Helpful
recommendations for design practice for select composite joints are included in
Reference 9. Analysis methods for detailed stress calculations are described
in Reference l0.