Global-local modelling approach for the investigation of adhesive bonding in structures

Abstract

Recent advances in light weight material systems have expanded the application range over which adhesive bonded composite joints are used. However, due to the complexity involved, most of the simulations presented are modelled in 2D and/or at a highly detailed level. For an evaluation of an adhesive layer in a global structure one needs to map the knowledge from a local to a global scale and vice versa. The current paper introduces a simple modelling strategy which allows a switch between local and global model without the need for re-meshing and sub-structuring. The proposed model is subjected to elasto-static conditions and verified against the detailed three-dimensional quadratic finite element model. A parametric study is also performed using the new modelling strategy on a singvarying the finite element discretization, adhesive layer thickness, coupling offset and composite stacking sequence. Results show that the proposed modelling strategy is accurate and efficient.