Adhesive joint modeling using compatible element formulation

The use of structural adhesives in automotive structures has been increased recently for their role in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Therefore, the dynamic behavior of structures containing bonded joints has become an area with numerous investigations over the past decades. Development of accurate formulations capable of representing adhesively bonded joint dynamics is a step forward in constructing the numerical models for one of the most useful kinds of joints in industry. Analysis of the adhesive layer between the two parts requires special assumptions which leads to using nonlinear and three dimensional models. Obtaining shape functions for an adhesive element by using finite element (F.E.) theory is a complicated and difficult task to do. The complexity is increased when it is assumed that the adhesive element is compatible with the plate element. In this paper, a new finite element formulation is developed for the adhesive layer which does not rely on shape functions and is compatible with the plate element. The accuracy of the proposed element is evaluated by using numerical and experimental results.