Strength prediction of adhesive joints using the modified damage zone theory

Abstract

The composite joint has become an important research area because the structural efficiency of a structure with a joint is determined by its joints rather than by its basic Structure since the joints are often the weakest areas in composite Structures. In this paper, the strengths of adhesive joints consisting of metal and composites were predicted and tested by the modified damage zone theory. Nonlinear finite element analyses of adhesive joints considering the material nonlinearity of the adhesive layer Were performed. From the tests and analyses, the strengths of the adhesive joints could be predicted to within 20.1% using the modified damage zone theory. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.