Select aspects of FEM analysis for bonded joints of polymer composite materials

Abstract

The paper presents selected aspects of modelling bonded joints of polymer composite materials by finite element method. The shear-loaded adhesive lap joints made of epoxy-graphite and epoxy-glass composite materials were investigated. The research objective was to determine correct modelling of adhesive layers using cohesive elements and of bonded joints for selected epoxy composite materials with different mechanical properties (e.g. Young's modulus) and geometrical dimensions, using, however, the same type of adhesive. The numerical analysis was performed based on experimental tests. A comparison is made between the distribution of reduced stress in the examined joint models according to the H-M- H hypothesis and that determined according to the maximum principal stress hypothesis. The finite elements analysis was performed in ABAQUS software and the traction-separation failure criterion was used for the damage onset and growth in the adhesive layer.