Experimental and Numerical Study on Single-lap Bonded Joints by the Extended Finite Element Method

The eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is a novel method based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). Because of the ability to include crack growth within solid elements, the XFEM is particularly well suited to modelling crack propagation. The present work consists of a numerical analysis of adhesively-bonded joints with different geometries by the XFEM in Abaqus®, considering different criteria for damage initiation and laws for damage propagation. This method is accurate when using the triangle propagation law and the quadratic stress (QUADS) initiation criterion, according to the XFEM study. It was also demonstrated that the most crucial factors determining the strength of the joints are the joint configuration, the associated dimensional parameters, and the adhesive type.