The Parametric Analysis of a Bonded Overlap Joint Resulting in Design Guidelines and a Representation for Finite Element Analysis

Abstract: The sensitivity of the joint's stiffness to changes in certain parameters (geometric and material properties) has been investigated and an understanding of the joint's behaviour gained from this parametric study. This insight into simple overlap joint behaviour has been used to fashion some design guidelines aimed at increasing joint stiffness. A representation that can be successfully substituted for certain adhesively bonded overlap joints in finite element (FE) analyses is also suggested.