Analytical Design Methods for Aircraft Structural Joints

An engineering procedure for determining the distribution of loads in the mechanically fastened joints of splice and doubler installations has been developed. Methods for both hand analyses and computer analyses are presented. Routines for solution by digital computer are provided. The methods are generally limited to the cases of a single lap arrangement and a single sandwich arrangement, but the cases of multiple (stacked) members is discussed. The members may have any form of taper or steps and the effects of fastener-hole clearance, or 'slop', and plasticity can be accounted for.