An analytical joint stiffness model for load transfer analysis in highly torqued multi-bolt composite joints with clearances

An analytical tri-linear joint stiffness model accounting for the effect of bolt-hole clearances on the bearing chord stiffness is presented. A single-parameter iteration method is also proposed to solve the nonlinear system of equations of the load transfer analysis, in which the recursive formulae are verified to be monotonic. To verify the present joint stiffness model, a series of single-lap, single-bolt joints with various bolt-hole...