Failure prediction in carbon composites subjected to bearing versus bypass loading

Abstract

To lighten structures, many metallic components, such as aircraft wings, are being replaced by composite components. To join these components with the rest of the structure, various joining techniques are used. When using multiple bolted joints, bypass vs. bearing loading is developed around each joint. The ratio of bearing to bypass loading is known to affect the level of load at which failure occurs. There have been many models created to predict failure within composites but very little work has been carried out to investigate how well numerical models predict failure within bolted joints subjected to bearing and bypass loading. In addition, few models have been developed that account for the through thickness stresses that are developed underneath the bearing load. This paper compares a range of failure criteria and degradation models utilizing a three-dimensional model and compares how well they predict failure for bearing vs. bypass loading for a supported-pin-loaded joint.