Analytical model for harmonic response of dissimilar single-lap joints

Abstract

Adhesive bonding is increasingly used in automobile, marine and aeronautical structures. The dynamic response of adhesively bonded joints is therefore a main concern. This paper deals with the harmonic response of single-lap joints. A closed-form analytical solution is derived to account for the case of joints with dissimilar substrates. The transfer functions predicted by the analytical model match well the transfer functions predicted by a two-dimensional finite element analysis, and so do the natural frequencies. The numerical and analytical models show that the natural frequencies are sensitive to the order of substrates. Mainly, fixing the end of the stiffer substrate leads to natural frequencies that are mostly higher than those which are obtained by fixing the end of the softer substrate.