joints

The desig n metho d use d fo r metalli c structure s ma y b e applie d t o fibe r

reinforced composite s effectively , provide d tha t consideratio n i s given t o severa l

factors, suc h a s tensil e an d bendin g stresses , strengt h an d flexibility o f th e

fastener, los s o f tensil e strengt h i n th e adheren d cause d b y fibe r cuttin g du e t o

drilling, shea r distributio n i n th e joint , frictio n betwee n parts , residua l stresses ,

allowable bearin g stresse s whic h depen d o n th e fiber orientation , type s o f

fasteners, an d fatigue . Th e anisotropi c na tur e o f stiffnes s an d strength , th e lo w

interlaminar shear , an d lo w throug h th e thicknes s tensil e strengt h ma y caus e

unexpected failure . Impor tan t fact s fo r structura l designer s t o remembe r are :

1. Desig n concept s an d method s use d fo r a composit e syste m canno t b e use d

for anothe r syste m unles s a carefu l stud y i s made .