Modelling of bonded joints with flexible adhesives

ABSTRACTDespite the significant technical/scientific progress achieved in the lasts years, design and modelling of adhesive joints is still an active research area. Among different approaches, the finite element method (FEM) constitutes one of the most useful, precise and powerful calculation tools for the analysis and design of bonded joints. Through a proper definition of the models, the FEM allows the determination of accurate fields of stresses and strains in the adhesive and in the adherents even for complex joint geometries or load histories. Moreover, the influence of geometrical parameters (joint configuration, thicknesses, fillets, etc) on the stress and strain levels in critical regions of the adhesive can be easily evaluated. In this way, different designs can be analysed to optimize the performance and reliability of the joints. The definition of the material models clearly constitutes one of the most relevant aspects of these numerical methodologies. The prediction capability of the FE simula...