Stresses Around Partial Contact Pin-Loaded Holes in FRP Composite Plates

Abstract

Results of a linear elastic, plane stress finite element investigation of the stress distribution around pin-loaded holes are presented for isotropic as well as several fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) composite materials. The case of full contact (contact angle = 180°) and that of partial contact (contact angle < 180°) between the pin and the hole have been considered. Important conclusions regarding the peak stress distribution around the pin-loaded hole are made specially with respect to the anisotropy (axial to transverse elastic stiffness ratio, E₁/E₂) introduced in the materials by way of fibre reinforcements and laminating schemes, geometrical parameters (hole diameter to plate width ratio) and the contact angle between the pin and hole.