Strength calculation of composite single lap joints with Fiber-Tear-Failure

The Fiber-Tear-Failure (FTF) is a common mode of failure in the adhesively bonded single lap joint having continuous fiber reinforced composite. Within single lap joints, presence of material and geometric discontinuities restrict the applicability of strength of material based approach for failure load prediction. Zone based approach appears promising in tackling discontinuity issues provided the right failure criterion and critical zone size are known. In this paper, a right failure prediction criterion is identified that can be used for the Fiber-Tear-Failure load prediction using zone based approach. Using a carbon fiber composite and an epoxy paste adhesive, failure modes were generated experimentally using different dimensions of lap joints. Several stress/strain based failure criteria for composite were tested. Critical zone size was calculated by performing the finite element analysis on a single lap joint with known failure load. For other joints, failure loads were calculated by adjusting the input loads in the analysis such that the failed zone size became the same as the critical zone size. The result reveals that Azzi-Tsai (Norris) criterion is capable of predicting failure loads of single lap joints with FTF. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.