Static failure analysis of axially loaded aluminium–epoxy butt joints

The present work is concerned with the study of the influence of adhesive layer thickness on the mechanical strength of axially loaded aluminium–epoxy butt joints. The main goal is to predict the rupture force using model equations that combine enough mathematical simplicity to allow their usage in engineering problems with the capability of describing a complex non-linear mechanical behaviour (three-dimensional state of stress; possibility of cohesive failure, of adhesive failure or mixed failure, depending on the geometry of the joint, on the adhesive strength and on the interaction between surfaces). The predicted values of the rupture force for different values of the thickness of the adhesive layer are compared with experimental data, showing a good agreement.