Experimental failure analysis of bolted joints in moisture- and temperature-induced composite laminates under preload

In this study, an experimental investigation was carried out in a bolted glass fiber‐reinforced laminate under preload moments. The stacking sequence at the composite laminate was chosen as [90°/0°/45°/−30°]s. The preload moments were selected as 2, 4, and 6 Nm, in order to compare the influence of preload moments on failure modes and strengths. Some specimens were subjected to hot pure water at 70°C for 7 days. The bearing strength in this case was measured again under the same preload moments of 2, 4, and 6 Nm. It is found that the bearing strength of the specimen waited in hot water was 5.4% smaller than that of the specimen in dry condition. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers