Fully-coupled nonlinear analysis of single lap adhesive joints

This paper presents novel closed-form and accurate solutions for the edge moment factor and adhesive stresses for single lap adhesive bonded joints. In the present analysis of single lap joints, both large deflections of adherends and adhesive shear and peel strains are taken into account in the formulation of two sets of nonlinear governing equations for both longitudinal and transverse deflections of adherends. Closed-form solutions for the edge moment factor and the adhesive stresses are obtained by solving the two sets of fully-coupled nonlinear governing equations. Simplified and accurate formula for the edge moment factor is also derived via an approximation process. A comprehensive numerical validation was conducted by comparing the present solutions and those developed by Goland and Reissner, Hart-Smith and Oplinger with the results of nonlinear finite element analyses. Numerical results demonstrate that the present solutions for the edge moment factor (including the simplified formula) and the adhesive stresses appear to be the best as they agree extremely well with the finite element analysis results for all ranges of material and geometrical parameters.