An analytical solution for the analysis of symmetric composite adhesively bonded joints

Analytical solutions for adhesively bonded balanced composite and metallic joints are presented in this paper. The classical laminate plate theory and adhesive interface constitutive model are employed for this deduction. Both theoretical and numerical (finite element analysis) studies of the balanced joints are conducted to reveal the adhesive peel and shear stresses. The methodology can be extended to the application of various joint configurations, such as single-lap and single-strap joints to name a few. The methodology was used to evaluate stresses in several balanced adhesively bonded metallic and composite joints subjected to the tensile, moment and transverse shear loadings. The results showed good agreements with those obtained through FEM. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.