Interfacial cracks in adhesively bonded scarf joints

Abstract

The interfacial crack behavior in adhesively bonded scarf joints is investigated. The study is conducted by using a method of analysis formulated on the basis of conservation laws of elasticity for nonhomogeneous solids and fundamental relationships in fracture mechanics of interfacial cracks. Solutions for interfacial crack-tip responses are determined for the joints with various adherend and adhesive properties, interface crack lengths, and adhesive-layer thicknesses. Also studied is the change of structural stiffness due to the presence of interfacial debonding. Of particular interests are the effects of geometric and material variables on the crack-tip response. Results are presented in terms of mixed-mode stress intensity factor solutions and energy release rates to illustrate the fundamental nature of fracture in adhesively bonded scarf joints.