Analysis of an adhesively bonded single-strap joint integrated with shape memory alloy (SMA) reinforced layers

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are increasingly becoming a topic of research in the area of smart materials. In this study, the design and analysis of a SMA reinforced joint is presented to elucidate the contribution of the active composite layer to the reduction of stress concentrations in the adhesive layer. Basic thermo-mechanical properties of the SMA are obtained by micromechanics. The forces and moments at the joint edges are obtained by incorporating the thermo-mechanical effect of the active composite layer within the joint. Further, an analytic model based on the first-order shear deformation theory was employed to conduct stress analyses of this joint system. The state-space method was utilized to obtain the final analytic solutions, including the peel and shear stresses in the adhesive layer. Detailed numerical analyses are conducted. The results confirm that the active composite layer significantly reduces stress concentrations at the joint edges.