Bearing strength of pinned joints in woven fabric composites with small weaving angles

Bearing strength of pinned joints in woven fabric composites with small weaving angles is examined experimentally in this study. Such woven fabrics, i.e. non-orthogonal fabrics, are not commercially available. Therefore, a step-by-step procedure for transforming an orthogonal fabric into a non-orthogonal fabric with small weaving angles is presented. Four different stacking sequences are chosen for comparison, considering ratios w/d = 3, 4 and e/d = 1, 2, 3. It is concluded that using layers with identical orientations may result in undesirable severe damage modes and small load carrying capacities in mechanically fastened joints of woven fabric composites with small weaving angles. A few recommendations regarding how to avoid premature failure, obtain bearing as the primary mode of failure and increase load carrying capacity can be found in the text and Section 5. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.