Numerical simulations of adhesively-bonded beams failing with extensive plastic deformation

An embedded-process-zone (EPZ) model was used to study the coupling between fracture of the interface and plastic deformation of the adherends in an adhesively-bonded joint. In this model, it was assumed that the primary role of the adhesive layer is to provide a traction-separation law for the interface. A series of experiments were performed in which thin, adhesively-bonded, symmetrical, double-cantilever beams made of an aluminum alloy were split by inserting different sizes of wedges along the interface. The parameters for the interfacial traction-separation law were determined by comparing the results of these experiments with numerical simulations using the EPZ model. It was found that once these parameters had been established for one thickness of specimen, the EPZ model could be used without further modification to predict the effect of the wedges on specimens made with different thicknesses of aluminum. These predictions showed excellent agreement with experimental observations. A subsequent series of tests involved monitoring the load, displacement and deformed shapes of a series of 'T-peel' specimens made with the same combination of adhesives and adherends. Without changing any of the parameters determined from the wedge tests, the EPZ model gave excellent quantitative predictions for the results of these T-peel tests. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.