Finite Element Modeling of the Geometry Size Effect for Adhesive Joints Strength

Abstract

Based on 3D elastic-plastic finite element method (FEM), the geometry size effect on strength in aluminum alloy adhesive joints is presented in this paper. The numerical and experimental results show that with the adhesive thickness increased, the adhesive joint strength first increases then decreases, and in a certain range, with the adhesive thickness increased, the adhesive joint strength is nonlinear to the overlap length but linear to the overlap area. In the case of the same overlap area, the adhesive joint strength can be increased by increasing overlap length and decreasing overlap width.