Abstract
The adhesive bonding technique is nowadays very popular in industrial applications, and is gradually replacing other more traditional bonding methods (fastened, welded and riveted joints) due to some advantages. However, its application supposes accurate methods for strength prediction. As a result, the techniques to predict the strength of adhesive joints has highly evolved. The eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is a recent innovation implemented over the (Finite Element Method) FEM that enables crack growth to be modelled. However, its application to adhesive joints is still scarce. This work consists of an experimental and XFEM analysis of aluminium alloy T-joints, adhesively-bonded with three adhesive types. A parametric study is undertaken regarding the curved adherends’ thickness (tP2), with values between 1 and 4 mm. The adhesives Araldite® AV138 (strong but brittle), Araldite® 2015 (less strong but moderately ductile) and the Sikaforce® 7752 (with the smallest strength but highly ductile) were tested. A comparative analysis between the different joints conditions was undertaken by plotting peel (σу) and shear (τxy) stresses. The XFEM predictive capabilities were tested with different damage initiation criteria. It was found that, provided that the modelling conditions are properly set, accurate numerical results can be found.
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