This paper presents the development of a finite element method for modeling fastener joints in aircraft structures. By using connector element in commercial software Abaqus, the finite element method can handle multi-bolt joints and secondary bending. The plates in the joints are modeled with shell elements or solid elements. First, a pre-study with linear elastic analyses is performed. The study is focused on the influence of using different connector element stiffness predicted by semi-empirical flexibility equations from the aircraft industry. The influence of using a surface coupling tool is also investigated, and proved to work well for solid models and not so well for shell models, according to a comparison with a benchmark model. Second, also in the pre-study, an elasto-plastic analysis and a damage analysis are performed. The elasto-plastic analysis is compared to experiment, but the damage analysis is not compared to any experiment. The damage analysis is only performed to gain more knowledge of the method of modeling finite element damage behavior. Finally, the best working FE method developed in the pre-study is used in an analysis of an I-beam with multi-bolt structure and compared to experiments to prove the abilities with the method. One global and one local model of the I-beam structure are used in the analysis, and with the advantage that force-displacement characteristic are taken from the experiment of the local model and assigned as a constitutive behavior to connector elements in the analysis of the global model.

O presente trabalho consiste basicamente num estudo experimental de juntas híbridas metal-compósito unidas mecanicamente por fixadores. Foram analisadas juntas fabricadas através de uma chapa metálica de titânio unida a uma placa em compósito de fibra de carbono e resina epóxi por fixadores de monel. As juntas avaliadas são juntas simples (\"single lap joint\"), ou seja, as mesmas foram submetidas ao simples cisalhamento. Antes, porém, dos ensaios das juntas, foram fabricados corpos-de-prova (CDPs) do compósito seguindo as especificações das normas ASTM D3039 e ASTM D3518. Os ensaios de tração e cisalhamento dos CDPs de compósito possibilitaram a determinação de propriedades mecânicas, bem como de valores de resistência. Sob posse das propriedades e resistência média, foram executadas simulações computacionais via Método dos Elementos Finitos com o intuito de prever o comportamento mecânico das juntas a serem ensaiadas seguindo a norma ASTM D5961 e, assim, delinear estratégias para os ensaios. Os ensaios das juntas foram realizados, possibilitando assim a avaliação do comportamento mecânico de juntas híbridas e de seus mecanismos de falha. Por fim, as conclusões e as perspectivas para trabalhos futuros foram apresentadas. / This work consists on an experimental investigation of hybrid joints (metal-composite) joined by fasteners. For this work, hybrid joints of titanium joined to composite (carbon fiber with epoxy resin) by monel fasteners were manufactured. Only single lap joints were investigated. However, before manufacturing specimens of joints, composite specimens were tested following the ASTM D3039 e ASTM D3518. The tensile and shear tests provided the mechanical properties and strength values of the composite. Finite element analyses of the hybrid joints were carried out, using average mechanical properties and strength values. These simulations followed the specifications of ASTM D5961 in order to predict the mechanical behavior of the joints during the experimental tests, as well as, provide a good strategy for the test setup. The experimental tests were carried out, observing the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of the hybrid joints. Finally, the conclusions and perspective of future works were showed.

O presente trabalho consiste basicamente num estudo experimental de juntas híbridas metal-compósito unidas mecanicamente por fixadores. Foram analisadas juntas fabricadas através de uma chapa metálica de titânio unida a uma placa em compósito de fibra de carbono e resina epóxi por fixadores de monel. As juntas avaliadas são juntas simples (\"single lap joint\"), ou seja, as mesmas foram submetidas ao simples cisalhamento. Antes, porém, dos ensaios das juntas, foram fabricados corpos-de-prova (CDPs) do compósito seguindo as especificações das normas ASTM D3039 e ASTM D3518. Os ensaios de tração e cisalhamento dos CDPs de compósito possibilitaram a determinação de propriedades mecânicas, bem como de valores de resistência. Sob posse das propriedades e resistência média, foram executadas simulações computacionais via Método dos Elementos Finitos com o intuito de prever o comportamento mecânico das juntas a serem ensaiadas seguindo a norma ASTM D5961 e, assim, delinear estratégias para os ensaios. Os ensaios das juntas foram realizados, possibilitando assim a avaliação do comportamento mecânico de juntas híbridas e de seus mecanismos de falha. Por fim, as conclusões e as perspectivas para trabalhos futuros foram apresentadas. / This work consists on an experimental investigation of hybrid joints (metal-composite) joined by fasteners. For this work, hybrid joints of titanium joined to composite (carbon fiber with epoxy resin) by monel fasteners were manufactured. Only single lap joints were investigated. However, before manufacturing specimens of joints, composite specimens were tested following the ASTM D3039 e ASTM D3518. The tensile and shear tests provided the mechanical properties and strength values of the composite. Finite element analyses of the hybrid joints were carried out, using average mechanical properties and strength values. These simulations followed the specifications of ASTM D5961 in order to predict the mechanical behavior of the joints during the experimental tests, as well as, provide a good strategy for the test setup. The experimental tests were carried out, observing the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of the hybrid joints. Finally, the conclusions and perspective of future works were showed.