Phenomenological failure criteria analysis of a composite bolted joint under multi-axial loading using the finite element method

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (CFRP) are commonly used in various sectors due to their excellent properties. However, they present complex failure modes, particularly in bolted joints, which are widely used in the aeronautical industry due to their ease of assembly and disassembly. Phenomenological failure criteria can be used to evaluate failure modes analytically and reduce the number of experimental tests. It is important to determine the criterion that best reflects reality. The Hashin, Puck, and LaRC04 failure criteria were evaluated using a finite element method software – FEMAP 2021.2 educational version – through simulation. Numerical simulations were conducted on a 2D model of a carbon/epoxy composite bolted joint under multiaxial loads, following ASTM D5661 dimensions. The failure criteria were compared to determine the most appropriate one for this type of component. Among the evaluated criteria, the Hashin criterion showed an intermediate level, while the Puck criterion was the most conservative and the LaRC04 criterion was the least conservative. It is recommended to use the Hashin criterion for general analyses. For analyses that require a detailed examination of compression failure modes, it is recommended to use the LaRC04 criterion. The Puck criterion is suggested for more conservative analyses.