Strength Evaluation of Scarf and Stepped Lap Joints Bonded with Adhesive Resin

Abstract

The deformation and strength of adhesively bonded scarf and stepped lap joints were investigated both analytically and experimentally. The joint consisted of adherends of carbon steel and adhesive of epoxy resin. The strain distributions of both joints under tensile loadings were found out by the finite element method, and their validity were confirmed by the experiments. The strength of both joints was predicted by applying the strength criterion corresponding to the adherends, adhesive layer and adhering interfaces on the stress distributions in the both joints. The difference in the initial failure strength and the final fracture strength between scarf and stepped lap joints was examined by the obtained analytical and experimental results. It was found that the initial failure strength of scarf joints was better than that of stepped lap joints because of the difference in stress distribution of both joints.