3D Explicit Simulation of Bearing Failure in Composite Fuselage Joints

A typical FE model of a countersunk joint is shown in Fig. 2, where boundary conditions simulate in-plane loading. The mesh is refined near the fasteners to capture high stress gradients and contact conditions are enforced using the general contact algorithm of Abaqus/Explicit. The inclusion of interior contact surfaces facilitates simulation of progressive hole crushing featured in bearing failure.