A bonded joint finite element for a symmetric double lap joint subjected to mechanical and thermal loads

SUMMARY A bonded joint finite element (FE) for a symmetric double lap joint is developed that is capable of predicting field quantities in the lap region. The element is a hybrid method and incorporates features of classical analytical and numerical methods. The element stiffness and load vector formulations have unique, load dependent, non-linear shape functions based on an analytical solution. The adaptive shape functions are formulated in terms of the dimensionless mechanical load fraction ( ¯ P) and total load ( ¯ tot) and are capable of predicting the thermal and mechanical load response. The bonded joint element has been implemented as a user element in the Abaqus R � commercial FE code. A comparison of the stress predictions for the bonded joint element and a conventional 2D FE model is presented and are found to be in good agreement. Therefore, the element provides a computationally efficient and mesh-independent stress prediction. The single element reproduces the analytical solution with minimal analyst input and can be easily incorporated into early design and sizing studies. Copyright q 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.