Abstract
An analytical model was developed to determine the stress and strain distributions of adhesive-bonded composite single-lap joints under tension. Laminated anisotropic plate theory was applied in the derivation of the governing equations of the two bonded laminates. The adhesive was assumed elastic-perfectly plastic and follows von Mises yield criterion. The entire coupled system was determined through the kinematics and force equilibrium of the adhesive and the adherends. The overall system of governing equations was solved by directly solving the differential equations with appropriate boundary conditions. Computer software Maple was used as the calculation tool in solving these equations. Results from the analytical model were verified with finite element analysis using ABAQUS and also compared with experimental results using specimens defined in ASTM D 3165 “Strength Properties of Adhesives in Shear by Tension Loading of Single-Lap-Joint Laminated Assemblies.” Although all three failure modes of bonded joints, substrate failure, cohesive, and adhesive failure, were present as the test results, only cohesive failure mode was analyzed.