Analysis of crack formation in bonded lap joints using finite fracture mechanics on the basis of linear elasticity solutions.

In this work, crack formation and the corresponding failure load of bonded lap joints is analyzed. The analysis is based on linear elasticity solutions for bonded lap joints and makes use of the finite fracture mechanics. A hybrid criterion is applied that states the spontaneous formation of a crack of finite size if a stress and an energy criterion are fulfilled simultaneously. The stress distribution of a linear elasticity solution is used for the stress criterion and for the calculation of the incremental energy release rate which is necessary for definition of the energy criterion. The resulting fracture criterion is compared to literature results and shows a good agreement. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)