Security of Bolted Joints during Explosive Loading

Bolted joints are used extensively in military vehicles allowing for the rapid repair of modular systems. However, concerns have been raised regarding the security of such joints during an explosion when severe shear loadings are likely. This paper examines the response of bolted joints to explosive, quasi-static and dynamic loading regimes. The energy required to fracture, energy absorbed during fracture, and metallographic features produced during loading are presented. No evidence of brittle failure was observed, irrespective of loading rate. The use of countersunk holes increased the energy absorbed during dynamic fracture.