Analytical and numerical simplified modeling of a single-lap joint

International audienceThis paper is devoted to the theoretical modeling of the mechanical response of bonded structures and particularly focuses on the single-lap joint which corresponds to the simplest and most fundamental bonding configuration. Such a geometry brings into play all the features of any bonded assembly in terms of mechanical response (stress/strain heterogeneities, singularities, adhesion at the interfaces,...). It can especially be used to characterize the mechanical behavior of new adhesives within an assembly. In all cases, an accurate description of the stress/strain distribution (specifically in the adhesive layer) is required both for the calibration of an adhesive behavior and for dimensioning purposes. Accordingly, the present study aims at developing a specific 1D enriched finite element devoted to the numerical modeling of single-lap joints, especially of the overlap region. First, analytical solutions for a single-lap joint under tensile forces are investigated in the framework of elasticity. They are particularly based on the choice of a 2D representation of the adhesive layer with polynomial displacement fields in terms of the thickness coordinate. Such a preliminary study allows one to identify optimally the appropriate kinematics for each layer (adhesive but also substrates) and highlights the importance of non-linear terms in the polynomial expressions of both longitudinal and transverse displacements within the adhesive. A three-layer finite element model is then formulated for the overlap region, based on the retained kinematics, and involving an elastoplastic constitutive law for the adhesive material. The numerical integration through the adhesive thickness and the assembly of the three layers lead to the definition of a very low-cost 1D finite element, which provides nevertheless a complete and accurate description of the stress fields, especially within the adhesive layer. This new finite element (used simultaneously with a more classical beam finite element for the unbonded parts of the adherends) is finally validated by comparison with 2D reference results computed using Abaqus software