Tubular bonded joint under torsion: theoretical analysis and optimization for uniform torsional strength

The paper analyses the problem of torsion in an adhesive bonded tubular joint. The constitutive, equilibrium and compatibility equations were used to obtain the stress field in the adhesive. The analysis confirms that the maximum stresses are attained at the ends of the adhesive and that the peak of maximum stress is reached at the end of the stiffer tube and does not tend to zero as the adhesive length approaches infinity. A special type of tubular joint can be produced by modifying the joint profile, thus ensuring that the stress field in the adhesive is constant and thereby optimizing the tubular joint for uniform torsional strength. This result is of considerable practical utility and makes it possible to produce adhesive bonded joints which are both lighter and stronger under torsion. Finally, some suggestions for the joint design are presented.