This study investigates the bearing strength, failure mode, and failure load of glass fiber-epoxy composite leaf springs with four circular holes under tensile force, using experimental and numerical methods. The end distance to diameter (E/D) and width to diameter (W/D) ratios were varied, and the numerical study was performed using 3D FEM with LUSAS 13.6. The composite plates were considered for use in a vibrating conveyor, and the effects of bolt location and fiber direction were studied. Three basic failure modes were observed: net-tension, shear-out, and bearing mode. The bearing strength increased with increasing E/D ratio for θ = ± 45° and W/D = 4, with failure modes varying based on E/D values. For θ = 0°-90° and W/D = 4, the critical E/D ratio was 4, and the failure mode shifted from shear out to bearing. The experimental results were compared with numerical predictions, providing insights into the behavior of composite joints and predicting failure load and failure mode using Hashin failure criteria.
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