Effect of interference fits on the fatigue lives of bolted composite joints

The effect of interference fits on the fatigue lives of bolted composite joints is investigated by conducting mechanical tests. Static and fatigue tests are carried out on specimens made of carbon-bismaleimide composites joined together as double-lap single-bolt joints. The bolts having interference fits ranging of 0 (neat fit), 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% are performed. The results demonstrate the relationship between fatigue life and different values of interference fits. After the fatigue tests, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are used to observe the damage of the surrender and surface of the hole. The test results show that the interference fitted specimens have improved fatigue life compared to the neat fitted specimen. The NDE and SEM results reveal that the damage degree of interference fitted specimen is weaker than that for the neat fitted one.