Composite Joint Checklist
Review prompts for composite joints — bearing, bypass, pull-through, fastener selection and bonded joint peel stress.
Purpose
For checking composite joint analysis and design.
Bolted Composite Joints
- Is the bearing allowable for the correct material, layup and hole condition? — Composite bearing is layup-dependent
- Is the bearing–bypass interaction checked per MMPDS or test data? — For multi-fastener joints
- Is the edge distance e/D ≥ 2.0 and width w/D ≥ 4.0? — Or per standard for composites
- Is pull-through checked for countersunk fasteners in thin laminates? — Composite pull-through is often critical
- Is the fastener–hole clearance accounted for? — Loose fit reduces bearing strength
Bonded Composite Joints
- Is the peel stress at the bond line termination checked? — Peel often governs in composites
- Is the surface preparation specified per qualified process? — Peel ply + abrasion + solvent
- Are hot/wet knockdowns applied to the adhesive properties? — Adhesive degrades with T and moisture