Numerical Study of Polymer Composite Lap Joints with Different Configurations

This research deals with carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy composite laminates bonded with an epoxy adhesive. The effect of joint configuration is investigated by means of a numerical approach based on a finite element method. This approach is developed in order to calculate the peel and shear stress distribution along the overlap in different configurations of composite lap joints. These configurations include: the single-lap, the double-lap, the beveled-lap, the joggle-lap and the wavy-lap joints. The adherends were considered to be transversely isotropic materials while the adhesive was considered as an isotropic material. Carbon/epoxy composite laminate and epoxy resin were used as adeherend and adhesive material, respectively. Results of simulation showed that the wavy lap joint creates the best results because of the compressive normal stresses created at the end of joint overlap length. Also, this design caused more uniformity in the distribution of shear stress.