Abstract:
Accurate models of dynamic structural failure are important for crashworthiness studies. To date,
catastrophic failure of dynamically-loaded composite bolted joints has been studied using global or stacked
shell element models. In this paper, high-fidelity (three-dimensional solid) explicit FE models are used to
simulate catastrophic failure of countersunk composite fuselage joints. While current state-of-the-art 3D
modelling approaches focus almost exclusively on the prediction of composite damage, this study also
investigates the treatment of fastener damage. Fastener fracture is a common catastrophic joint failure mode,
particularly in joints designed to initially fail in bearing. A Johnson-Cook material model and cohesive
elements were used to predict plasticity, damage and fracture of the titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) fastener. Although
a model calibration was required, due to the complex interaction of model parameters, numerical results
demonstrate key trends of experiments and provide a starting point for the development of more predictive
approaches for simulating fastener failure