An explicit FE-model of impact fracture in an adhesive joint

Dynamic fracture of an adhesive layer in a structure is analysed. The structure represents some specific properties of an automotive structure and is simple enough to allow for closed form solutions obtained by the method of characteristics. These solutions are compared to results of explicit FE-analyses. The FE-solutions agree with the closed form solutions. Damage is included in the FE-model. Three constitutive models of the adhesive layer are used. It is shown that an amplification of the strain rate is achieved in the adhesive layer. It is also shown that an artificially increased flexibility of the adhesive in an aluminium structure gives only minor influences of the general behaviour. In some load cases, the adhesive layer will experience repeated loading/unloading. It is shown that in these cases an explicit FE-analysis with a “large” time step is more prone to give immediate rupture. Thus, the method is conservative.