Abstract: A three dimensional finite element model of single-bolt, double shear lap composite bolted joints was established through engineering software ANSYS. In order to investigate the effect of preload, the preload was exerted to the bolted joints in the model, and then the tangential stress at the edge of the hole of composite laminates was analyzed. The resultant tangential stresses at the edge of the hole were compared between two cases: under high and low longitudinal remote cyclic tensile loadings. The results show that, the tangential stress is balanced by the effect of bolt preload, which can eliminate the localized stress concentration on the middle plate and improve the efficiency of the joints under the remote loadings. Moreover, the research proves that different remote loads lead to different dangerous points of fatigue. Finally, the tangential stress at the hole edge of the cross area in composite interference fit joints was analyzed, and the distributions of dangerous fatigue points on each plate were obtained.