Elastic Deformation Analysis of Adhesively Bonded Composite Butt Joints in Tension

Abstract

differential equations used were provided, and two strategies were proposed to explore the complete closed-form adhesive stress solutions in a general composite butt joint configuration. Two butt joint cases are presented. The case1joint wasfabricated using identicallaminatedcompositepanelsfor boththeadherends andthe doubler, while the thickness of the doubler of the case 2 joint was 50% thicker. Three-dimensional finite element models were created for analysis of the unit-width joints under a plane-strain condition. Good agreement for the predicted joint deformation (deflection, elongation, and strain) was achieved between the three methods. Finite element results showed that high peak adhesive stresses were developed at the inner overlap edge area, and they suggested that appropriate reinforcement should be made in this region to ensure structural integrity.