An analytical model for predicting the stiffness and strength of pinned-joint composite laminates

An analytical model to predict bearing failure of pinned-joint composite laminates is proposed. The model combines a mass-spring model to reproduce the joint stiffness and a characteristic curve model to predict bearing damage. When bearing failure was verified at any ply, the corresponding spring element was removed from the model. The accuracy of the analytical model was validated through comparison with experimental results. Analytical model predictions agreed with the load-displacement curves and ultrasonic inspections of experimental tests. The present model predicted the different stages in the bearing failure, considering the consecutive failure of the different plies. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.