Papers by Author: Adriana Sandu

Abstract: In this paper, starting from analytic relations presented in literature, a more general approach was obtained in order to evaluate the load capacity of single strapped joints in the cases when the adherends are right or tapered in the overlap zone. Two distinct loading cases, in tension and in bending, are considered. The analytical relations were validated by nonlinear finite element analyses. The comparison with the similar results of the linear analyses emphasized that only the nonlinear approach is appropriate to study the stress states in unsymmetrical joints, even if the adhesive can be considered as an isotropic and homogenous material. For design purposes, the influence of some geometrical parameters on the stress state in the joint was also evaluated.

Abstract: Adhesive bonding is a particularly effective method of assembling complex structures, especially those made from dissimilar materials. If the joint is well designed and correctly executed, the adhesive bond ought to be one of the strongest components of the structure and most certainly should not be the reason for reducing the load capacity or fatigue life. The major factors determining the integrity of an adhesive bond are selection of the most appropriate adhesive, joint design, preparation of the bonding surfaces, strict quality control in production and monitoring in service. This work focuses on the evaluation of the load capacity of some configurations of adhesively bonded single-strapped joints based on finite element analyses. The adhesive layer thickness, the overlap length, the adherent and strap thicknesses were varied as well as the materials properties.