Finite-element stress analysis of double-lap adhesive joints

Stress distributions in double-lap adhesive joints have been analyzed by using an elastoplastic finite-element method to predict the joint strength. The effects of yield stress, Young's moduli of the adherends, and the overlap length on the interface stress distributions have been examined. In addition, the joint strength was estimated by taking into account the crack growth that occurs at the interface, using von Mises' criterion. Experiments were carried out for the joint strength. The analytical results are in fairly good agreement with the experimental results for the joint strength. It was found that the joint strength increased as Young's moduli and the yield stresses of the adherends and the overlap length increased. However, it was also seen that the joint strength did not increase when overlap length-to-thickness ratio, l2/t1, was more than 10.3.