Predicting the strength of adhesively bonded joints of variable thickness using a cohesive element approach

Mildred Lee, Eudora Yeo, Matthew Blacklock, Madabhushi Janardhana, Stefanie Feih, Chun H. Wang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

One major characteristic of bonded structures is the highly localised nature of deformation near sharp corners, ply-terminations, and ends of joints where load transfer occurs. This paper presents an investigation of the use of a cohesive zone model in predicting the strong effects of stress concentration due to varying adherend thickness on the pull-off strength measured by the Pneumatic Adhesion Tensile Testing Instrument. A comparison is made with the point-strain-at-a-distance criterion, where the plastic deformation of the adhesive is analysed using a modified Drücker-Prager/cap plasticity material model. The fracture properties of the cohesive zone model were determined using double-cantilever and end-notch flexural specimens, and the cohesive strengths were measured using tensile and lap shear tests. Comparisons with experimental results reveal that the cohesive zone model with perfectly plastic (or non-strain-softening) cohesive law provides accurate predictions of joint strengths.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)44-52
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives
Volume58
Early online date21 Jan 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2015
Externally publishedYes

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