Stress analysis of adhesive-bonded lap joints

Stresses in a standard metal-to-metal adhesive-bonded lap joint are analysed by a two-dimensional finite-element method and comparisons are made with previous analyses. Particular attention is paid to the stresses at the ends of the adhesive layer. Unlike previous work, which assumes the adhesive to have a square edge, the adhesive spew is treated as a triangular fillet. The highest stresses exist at the adherend corner within the spew. Linear elastic behaviour is assumed throughout. A rubber model is reported which confirms these results physically. Good agreement was also obtained between some practical results and the finite-element predictions.