The Effect of the Radius of Curvature on the Joint Strength in Butt-Curved Lap Joints

Abstract

In this research, butt curved lap joints (BCLJs) were considered for the aluminum alloy plates exposed to tensile load, and the effect of the radius of curvature (RC) on the joint strength was investigated. For this purpose, butt-curved v joints were formed upon aluminum plates (AL2024-T3), and they were connected using an adhesive (DP810). Finite element analysis joint models were created three-dimensionally, and Cohesive Zone Materials Models (CHZMs) based on energy principles were used to estimate the strength of the adhesively bonded joint. In order to obtain numerical solutions, the parameters of the materials used in the joint model were determined experimentally. Furthermore, verification tests were performed to verify the numerical solutions. From the results obtained, it was understood that the radius of curvature has a important effect on the failure load and stress distributions in butt curved lap joints.