Adhesively bonded aluminium double-strap joints: effects of patch part on failure load

Abstract

This study aims to predict the failure loads of adhesive double-strap joints (DSJs) with the help of validated finite element (FE) analyses performed in a commercial FE package (ABAQUS/Standard). The damage initiation and propagation in the adhesive was evaluated by a cohesive zone model. The effects of the patch part (i.e. material, length and thickness of the patch) on the failure load of the DSJs joints are investigated. In addition, a stress analysis of the adherends and patch part is performed to provide insights into the stress distribution in the materials, thereby avoiding potential premature or unsuitable failure in the different parts of the joints. It is revealed that the dimensions of the patch can have measurable influences on the failure load and the stress distribution in different parts of the joint which may threaten the suitable performance of the joints. Moreover, the results obtained from the joints with both aluminium and composite straps are almost the same, although considering the weight added to the system, the latter outweighs the other.