Development Of Efficient Modeling Methodologies Of Adhesively Bonded Joints For Crash Simulations

In this thesis, a new modeling methodology applicable to adhesively bonded joints for crash simulations is presented. Using this approach, adhesive joints can be modeled without using minute solid elements thus reducing the size of the model. Moreover, coarse mesh can be used for substrates in the overlap region of a joint. Both of these improvements together yield significant reduction in simulation run times in crash analysis when compared to solid element representation of adhesive. The modeling can also capture effects of strain rate for a given ambient temperature. In order to develop the efficient modeling procedure mentioned above, experimental, analytical and numerical studies have been carried out. Mechanical behaviors of adhesively bonded joints are studied with the help of double lap shear (DLS) coupon tests conducted at different extension rates and temperatures. The joint specimens are made from dual-phase (DP) steel coupons bonded with epoxy resin. Tests are also carried out to ascertain the behaviors of these component materials at different extension rates and temperatures. A new semi-analytical solution procedure is developed considering material nonlinearity to predict mechanical behaviors of adhesively bonded DLS joints. The joint behaviors using the semi-analytical approach are predicted separately using the Von Mises and exponent Drucker-Prager yield criteria. The predicted force versus extension curves using semi-analytical solution are compared with test results. It is also hypothesized here that, the semi-analytical solution procedure can be used as a base to develop efficient modeling procedures of adhesively bonded joints in FEA. In finite element analysis, both adhesive and substrates are modeled as elastic-plastic materials. It is shown that the shell-solid model of the DLS joint, in which substrates are modeled using shell elements and adhesive is modeled using solid elements, can accurately predict the mechanical behavior of the joint. Both exponent Drucker-Prager and Von Mises material models in ABAQUS are used to calculate force versus extension curves. Numerical and experimental forces versus extension curves are compared. A new methodology for efficient modeling of adhesively bonded joints in LS-DYNA using equivalent material properties in the joint overlap region is proposed. Various models using this methodology are assessed by comparing their results with shell-solid model and test results. Finally, it is also shown that strain rate effects can be included in the efficient modeling approach