Investigation of aluminum single lap adhesively bonded joints

Purpose: The purpose of research was to find an optimum overlap length ensuring the settled bearing performance of adhesive bonded joint. At the optimum overlap length it is possible to reach a maximum load bearing capacity using a minimum quantity of applied adhesive. Design/methodology/approach: In accordance with experimental test results, an optimum overlap length was achieved. In numerical analysis, the proposed material model (MISO) fits well in simulations. Findings: Mechanical properties of adhesive which are often public unknown have very strong influence on reliability of material models used in numerical analysis. Therefore, it was crucial decision of research to made an adhesive specimen for tensile testing. Research limitations/implications: At the overlap lengths above critical (optimal) ones, the usage of a MISO material model in FEA is not acceptable any more. In further work is of great interest to verify simulation with other materials model approaches. Practical implications: Maximal strength of joint might be reached if optimal overlap length of joint is applied, nevertheless if less adherend material is consumed. Originality/value: Originality is in true stress/strain diagram of adhesive which is based on experimental testing of adhesive specimen. Material model in numerical analysis is based on true stress/strain diagram.