Abstract
ABSTRACT The effect of a rectangular convex/concave shape formed on adherend surfaces in terms of preventing the crack growth of adhesively bonded joints was analytically investigated. The finite element method was used to evaluate crack growth resistance along the crack path by simulating a double cantilever beam test in which a single convex/concave shape was formed on the adherend material. The obtained crack growth resistance clearly demonstrated that both concave and convex shapes improved the apparent fracture toughness; i.e., the convex/concave shape functioned as a crack arrester. We identified the cause of the improvement as the dispersion of energy allocated to crack propagation due to the accumulation of the strain energy or the reduction of the stress concentration at the crack tip. It is noteworthy that the crack growth was arrested even when the convex shape did not interrupt the crack path.
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