Analysis of Bonded Joints in Vehicular Structures

Abstract : A linear elastic finite-element analysis is used to evaluate the behavior of an adhesive joint bonding a boron/epoxy composite to a metallic substrate. The adhesive layer is treated as a separate elastic medium of finite thick-ness in order to remove the stress singularity that exists when dissimilar materials are joined. Results are presented for a single lap joint and a smoothly tapered joint for two thicknesses of the adhesive layer. For the lap joint, peak shearing stress in the adhesive is located adjacent to the material with the lower modulus. The smoothly tapered joint is shown to have lower stresses and to be more efficient. Recommendations are given for alleviating stress concentrations and improving the design of bonded joints. (Author-PL)