Analysis and Optimization of a Tubular Lap Joint Subjected to Torsion

Abstract

This analysis considers a tubular lap joint comprised of a steel tube adhesively bonded to a composite tube subjected to torsion. A finite element method is employed to characterize the stress concentration associated with the boundary layer effect in the end region of the adhesive layer. Through the selective perturbation of geometric and material properties, a parametric evaluation is conducted in which the peak stress and its gradient are reduced. A number of design guidelines are subsequently drawn based on the results of this evaluation.