Evaluation of Damage Tolerance Analysis Tools for Lap Joints

The riveted lap joint design (common in fuselage structures) creates complex loading conditions that require various analysis methods for accomplishing a damage tolerance analysis (DTA). Under a U.S. Air Force research project, The Boeing Company evaluated the capabilities of two analysis tools for accomplishing a DTA of riveted lap joints. These existing structural analysis tools included a finite element code, FRANC2D/L, and a crack growth code, AFGROW. Analysis results of lap joint specimens showed good agreement between predicted and experimental test results for a typical lap joint geometry. The crack growth codes could also model the interference level created by the rivet squeeze force, which impacts crack growth.