A Macroscopic Finite Element for a Symmetric Double Lap Joint Subjected to Mechanical and Thermal Loading

A thermo-mechanical analytical model and a corresponding macroscopic bonded joint finite element is presented for the analysis of orthotropic double lap joints subjected to combined thermal-mechanical loads. The analytical solution offers an improvement in accuracy over its predecessor, at the cost of increased solution complexity. However, to facilitate the use of this solution, it has been incorporated into a macroscopic bonded joint finite element. The single element reproduces the analytical solution with minimal analyst input, and therefore can be easily incorporated into early design studies. The macroscopic element provides a computationally efficient and mesh independent comparative stress result. To validate the element, the stress predictions of the single element are compared with a continuum finite element model.