Complex joint geometry

Abstract

The finite element method is particularly suited to analyse complex joint geometries. Adhesively bonded joints are increasingly being used in engineering applications where the loading mode, the adherends shape and the material behaviour are extremely difficult to simulate with a closed form approach. A detailed description of finite element studies concerning non-conventional adhesive joints is presented in this chapter. Various types of joints, local geometrical features such as the spew fillet and adherend rounding, three dimensional analyses, hybrid joints and repair techniques are discussed. Special techniques to save computer power are also treated. It is shown that the finite element method offers unlimited possibilities for stress analysis but also presents some numerical problems at sharp edges. Â(c) 2008 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.