Calculation of strain energy release rates for bonded joints with a prescribed crack

Abstract

This chapter provides two general approaches to calculate the strain energy release rate of adhesively bonded composite joints with a prescribedcrack. The general structural response of adhesively bonded composite joints is first described and the need for strain energy release rate determination is explained. Two general categories of methodologies for calculating strain energy release rate of an adhesive-bonded composite are given: (1) finite element methods and (2) analytical modeling. A single-lap bonded composite joint with a prescribed crack is given as an example of analytical modeling. 2011 Woodhead Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.