Modeling of adhesively bonded single scarf CFRP joint behavior using energy-based approach

Abstract

The mechanical behavior of an adhesively bonded single scarf joined Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates under tensile loading is studied. An energy-based analytical model is developed to capture the static response of adhesively bonded single scarf joint specimens. This is a high-fidelity and highly accurate alternative to 3D finite element models commonly employed in the literature. The derived governing differential equations (GDEs) are solved using the finite difference scheme. The numerical results for the global response of the adhesively bonded joints provided by the analytical model are compared and successfully validated with the experimental and FE results. For this purpose, the experimental whole-field technique of 2D digital image correlation (DIC) is used to capture the strain and displacement field over the specimen surface. A qualitative agreement of the field distributions is observed since the analytical model is a reduced-order model. Parametric studies are also undertaken to demonstrate the influence of design parameters, such as scarf angle, adhesive thickness, and adhesive modulus. These results provide quick solutions for the design space of adhesively bonded scarf joints. Therefore, a reliable model for the adhesively bonded single scarf joints is established, acting as a cost-effective and time-saving alternative solution.