Effect of Tightening Torque on Bearing Performance of Kevlar Fiber Composite Bolted Joints Produced by Additive Manufacturing

Composite materials are common in industries like aerospace, automotive, construction, and wind energy. Understanding the behavior of composite bolted joints is crucial but challenging due to fiber anisotropy and stress concentration. Factors influencing joint efficiency include washer size, bolt torque, and hole-to-edge distance. Studies suggest that higher clamping pressure improves bearing strength and affects failure mechanisms in composites. Additive Manufacturing (AM), particularly using continuous fibers, has enabled new customized composites with enhanced mechanical properties. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is a key method, but there is limited research on the bearing behavior of FFF composites and the role of geometric parameters. While joint failure modes are well studied, data on the effect of torque on bolted joints in additively manufactured composites is scarce. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of these joints under various torques, focusing on bearing behavior, strain fields, and deformation.