TeXtreme is studying the thin ply effect on bolted multi material joints with focus on bearing strength. Aim is to increase the understanding of the impact of material behaviour on structural integrity of complex metal composite structures within aeronautics and develop models that can simulate the mechanical behaviour of bolted composite structures.

The effort is part of a four-year project which has the goal to develop reliable and accurate methods and models that can simulate the mechanical behaviour of bolted composite structures. The methods should be applied in a time and cost-effective manner in industrial applications. Development of further reinforcement methods for bolt joints is also included.

The project is expected to result in an analytical methodology for confidential and cost-effective certification of both civil and military hybrid-bolted aircraft structures. Furthermore, the project is expected to contribute to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly design solutions with efficient material utilisation.

Initially, structural mechanical phenomena and conditions relevant to a large-scale industrial application are to be identified. These phenomena will then be studied and modeled at detail later on where improved design solutions and methods are to be developed and returned to the industrial application. Current analytical and experimental methods form the basis for the development of the improved methods. (SV)