A direct linear-elastic analysis of double symmetric bonded joints and reinforcements

All currently developed methods for the analysis of adhesively bonded joints are quite complex and generally require significant programming effort in order to use them for design and optimization (Vinson JR, Sierakowski RL. The behaviour of structures composed of composite materials. 3rd ed. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, 1993). This paper focuses on presenting a basic one-dimensional linear-elastic analysis technique for double symmetric adhesive joint and reinforcement configurations which can be readily used. A detailed derivation of the adhesive shear stress distribution and the adherend normal stress distribution for uniform thickness double-doubler joints and double-sided reinforcements based on Hart-Smith's one-dimensional approach (Hart-Smith LJ, Adhesive-bonded double-lap joints, NASA-CA-112235, 1973) provides the foundation for a direct one-dimensional linear-elastic solution for tapered double-doubler joints and double-sided reinforcements. A correction for shear-lag in the adherends is also provided. This unique solution technique has the advantage of avoiding the generally required numerical solution and thus offers an excellent tool for studying the basic characteristics of double symmetric adhesive joints and reinforcements. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.