Abstract
A generalised technique for the prediction of fatigue crack propagation lifetime in bonded structures using finite element analysis is proposed. The method is based on numerical integration of the fatigue crack growth law from an initial to a final crack size. The technique has been applied to carbon fibre composite joints bonded with an epoxy adhesive. A crack growth law was determined experimentally using double cantilever beam (DCB) samples. Experimental load-life data were then generated for single and double lap joints (DLJs) manufactured from the same materials as the DCB samples. The crack growth law determined from the DCB samples was used to predict the load-life response of the single lap and DLJs. Good agreement was seen between the predicted and experimental load-life plots.
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