The effects of geometry and material properties on the fracture of single lap-shear joints

A review of the mechanics of lap-shear joints is followed by a detailed analysis of the problem using a cohesive-zone approach. The cohesive-zone model allows not only the influence of geometry to be considered, but also allows the cohesive properties of the interface and plastic deformation of the adherends to be included in the analysis. The first part of the paper examines the strength of elastic joints, with an emphasis on the effects of geometry, the cohesive strength of the adhesive, and mode-mixedness. The cohesive-zone models show a transition to the predictions of linear-elastic fracture mechanics under conditions where these are expected to apply. The second part of the paper examines the effect of plasticity in the adherends, and looks at the transition between the elastic and plastic regimes. The final part of the paper makes comparisons between the predictions of the numerical calculations and experimental observations for a model system consisting of a commercial adhesive used to bond an aluminum alloy. Using cohesive-zone parameters previously determined for this particular combination of materials, the numerical predictions show excellent agreement with the experimental observations. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.