Co-rotational Formulation for Bonded Joint Finite Elements

Enhanced finite elements are elements with an embedded analytical solution that can capture detailed local fields, enabling more efficient mesh independent finite element analysis. In earlier research, this method was applied to adhesively bonded joints. The adherends were modeled as composite Euler-Bernoulli beams, and the adhesive layer was modeled as a bed of linear shear and normal springs. The field equations were derived using the principle of minimum potential energy, and the resulting solutions for the displacement fields were used to generate shape functions and a stiffness matrix for a single bonded joint finite element. In this study, the capability to model large rotations and non-linear adhesive constitutive behavior is developed, and progressive failure of the adhesive is modeled by remeshing the joint as the adhesive fails. The results obtained using this enhanced joint element is compared with experimental results.