Three-dimensional finite element analysis of stress response in adhesive butt joints subjected to impact bending moments

Abstract

The stress wave propagation and the stress distribution in adhesive butt joints of T-shape similar adherends subjected to impact bending moments are analyzed using three-dimensional finite-element method (FEM). An impact load is applied to a joint by dropping a weight. FEM code employed is DYNA3D. The effects of Young's modulus of adherends, the adhesive thickness and the web length of T-shape adherends on the stress wave propagation at the interfaces are examined. It is found that the maximum stress occurs at the interfaces. In the case of T-shape adherends, it is seen that the maximum principal stress at the interfaces increases as Young's modulus of the adherends increases. In the special case where the web length of T-shape adherends equals to the flange length, the maximum principal stress at the interfaces increases as Young's modulus of the adherends decreases. The maximum principal stress at the interfaces increases as the adherend thickness decreases. In addition, strain response of adhesive butt joints was measured using strain gauges. Fairly good agreement is seen between the analytical and the experimental results.