Bonded Lap Joint Analytical Model

This paper presents a bonded lap joint analytical model where the adherents are modeled as plates in cylindrical bending and considered either as orthotropic laminates (classic laminate theory) or isotropic plates. The adhesive is modeled as springs in shear and tension/compression. The equilibrium equations are developed based on the differential forces equilibrium in and out the joint area. The loads can be chosen arbitrarily (forces and moments or displacements). This model allows the prediction of the displacements or reactions forces, strain, and stress along the joint at the adherent as well as at the adhesive. The results, loads versus strain and displacements (elastic behavior), are compared to other analytical models where the adhesive is modeled considering only the shear strain, and with finite element analysis results. This paper also presents a link to the MATLAB code implemented for single lap joint. The code can be downloaded from www.fzarpelon.com under Paper and Publications/SAE Brazil 2010 menu.