Finite Fracture Mechanics model for mixed mode fracture in adhesive joints

Up to now the failure load assessment of bonded joints is still not fully understood. This work provides a new approach for assessing the crack initiation load of bonded joints. A failure model for single lap joints is proposed that is based on Finite Fracture Mechanics. Only two basic fracture parameters are required: the tensile strength and the fracture toughness of the adhesive. A coupled stress and energy criterion proposed in 2002 by Leguillon is used to model crack initiation in the adhesive layer. The theory of this criterion is outlined in detail, its relationship to other failure criteria is discussed and an overview of applications found in literature is given. An enhanced weak interface model that predicts a linear variation of the shear stresses in the adhesive layer is utilized to model the single lap joint. To compare joint designs and to reveal the limitations of the given approach a dimensionless brittleness number for mixed-mode loading is proposed. Along with a detailed discussion of the results for exemplary joint designs a comparison to experimental results from literature is performed. The two necessary fracture parameters are each taken from standard test results published in literature. A good agreement of the failure load predictions with the experimental results is observed. A remarkable outcome is that the presented failure model renders the adhesive thickness effect correctly. The paper concludes with a discussion of the limitations of the approach and the effect of material parameters.