Progressive fracture of adhesively bonded composite structures

Progressive damage and fracture of adhesively bonded graphite/epoxy composite structures are evaluated via computational simulation. Load induced damage in both the adhesive bond and the adjoining laminate is considered. An integrated computer code is used for the simulation of structural degradation under loading. Damage initiation, growth, accumulation, and propagation to fracture are included in the simulations. Results show in detail the damage progression sequence and structural fracture resistance during different degradation stages. Design implications with regard to damage tolerance of adhesively bonded joints are examined. Influence of the type of loading as well as adhesive thickness on damage initiation and progression for an adhesively bonded composite structure are investigated.