Load Distributions in Bolted Single Lap Joints Under Non-Central Tensile Shear Loading

This study uses a numerically calibrated beam theory-based model to investigate the bolt load distributions in a preloaded two-bolt single lap joint under non-central tensile shear loading. The linear spring-based modeling is used for the two preloaded bolts and substrates. The bolt stiffnesses were derived from the bolt flexibilities influence by the bending deformation, the shear deformation, the bolt, and plate contact deformations. Due to the non-uniform load distribution along the bolt shank, the 3D finite element analysis was used to determine the correlation factors of each influence factors. Non central loading may be due to geometric tolerances that would cause additional moment loading on the joint. Thus, the load would not be equally distributed among all bolts in the joint. The effect of various joint parameters, bolt preload and off-center location of the tensile shear loading is investigated and discussed.