Many components of large scale structural systems are made in parts and connected by joints. In general, fasteners are very popular in joining metallic aerospace structural components, in particular due to the advantage in assembly and dis-assembly. In this paper finite element contact stress analysis for the pin-hole interface in straight and tapered lug joints is presented. Fatigue analysis is carried out using in-house software with stress life approach when the joints are subjected to repeated loading and the stresses are within elastic limit. Parametric studies are carried out varying the geometric variables and typical numerical results are presented in the paper.

Keywords: Lug joints, Contact stress analysis, Stress-life.