Analysis of Adhesive‐Bonded Joints with Nonidentical Adherends

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the stress distribution in adhesive‐bonded, single‐lap joints under tension, for which the two adherends could have different thicknesses and lengths and consist of different materials. Hence, we consider herein an analysis that is more general than those in the literature. Two‐dimensional elasticity theory, in conjunction with the variational principle of complementary energy, is used in determining the stresses in the joint. All boundary stress conditions of the joint are strictly satisfied. Since high stress intensities occur in the end zones of the joint, the satisfaction of stress‐free end conditions of the joint is important. By means of the present approach, closed‐form solutions—which are adaptable for any possible adhesive‐layer conditions, flexible, inflexible, and a medium range of flexibility—are obtained. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effects of nonidentical adherends on the distributions and intensities of stresses in the joint. With a given ratio of material properties of the adherends and adhesive, there ought to be a thickness ratio of nonidentical adherends that yields the least stress intensities in the joint.