Deformation Maps for Bolted T-Stubs

Abstract

Deformation maps on the plastic and ultimate failure of T-stubs with a single bolt-row in tension are developed. The maps condense a large body of information within a two-dimensional parameters space onto which different modes of deformation, including the régime boundaries, are plotted for any practical combination of geometric and material properties encountered in a T-stub. Its fidelity is demonstrated with experimental data from literature and through a detailed parametric investigation by high-fidelity finite-element analysis. The predictive capability of two existing analytical models is also compared against predictions by the finite-element model. Their shortcomings and applicability are critically assessed and discussed.