Two-Dimensional Interlaminar Stress Distribution within the Adhesive Layer of a Symmetrical Doubler Model

Two-dimensional stress distribution within the adhesive layer of a doubler model was derived by means of the finite element method. Results indicated significant variations in all stress components through the adhesive thickness in a region close to the adhesive edge, in contrast to the assumption of uniform stress distribution postulated by several authors. However, this assumption was found to be valid along most of the adhesive central length. The value, orientation and location of principal stresses, obtained by the analysis, may provide a guideline for the study of adhesive failure mechanism.