Test and Simulation Study of Fastener Modeling Method in Aircraft Structural FE Analysis

Simplifying the fasteners into PLINK elements is one of the recommended methods when using ESI VPS to carry out aircraft structure dynamics simulation. The basic principle of PLINK element is studied. The shear and pull-through strength properties of specific fastener were investigated by tests. The differences between these two types of PLINK elements (Multi PLINK using MAT302 and Spring Beam PLINK using MAT224) are simulated by ESI VPS. The results of two different modeling methods using different PLINK elements are compared with the test results, their characteristics are discussed and summarized, which provides a reference for the fastener modeling in the dynamic simulation analysis of civil aircraft, such as simulation analysis of structure bird strike.