Simulation of Single-Lap Bonded and Hybrid (Bolted/Bonded) Joints with Flexible Adhesive

Balanced single-lap bonded and hybrid (bolted/bonded) joints with flexible adhesives have been studied using finite element analysis. The two-dimensional plane strain and three-dimensional analyses have been carried out. Geometrical and material nonlinearities were taken into account. Flexible adhesives were modelled using hyperelastic Mooney–Rivlin potentials. Joint stiffness, as well as adhesive stress distribution, in the overlap has been investigated. The sensitivity of mechanical response to the compressibility of the adhesive material has been demonstrated. Numerical analyses of hybrid (bolted/bonded) joints showed their fatigue life is longer than corresponding bolted joints