Influence Thickness of Adhesive on Stress Distribution in Hybrid Adhesive -  Bolt Double - Lap Aluminum Sheets Joints under Static Tensile Loads

Jie Zhang; Kun Chen; Peng Ding; Huikai Fu

doi:10.56748/ejse.26844

Authors

Jie Zhang Xinxiang University https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3507-3713
Kun Chen Xinxiang University
Peng Ding Xinxiang University
Huikai Fu Xinxiang University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56748/ejse.26844

Keywords:

Adhesive thickness, stress distribution, hybrid joint, aluminum, static tensile loads, finite element method

Abstract

This study examines the effect of adhesive thickness on stress distribution and load-sharing efficiency in hybrid adhesive-bolt double-lap joints under static tensile loads, using finite element modeling (FEM). The model simulates the assembly of three identical aluminum sheets, fastened with bolts, nuts, and adhesive in the contact regions, subjected to varying adhesive thicknesses and tensile forces on the middle sheet, with a constant preload force applied to the screws. The analysis considers non-linear material behavior for both the aluminum sheets and adhesive to more accurately represent real-world conditions. The study explores the impact of adhesive thickness on stress concentrations, joint stiffness, and load transfer, as well as the force transmission exerted by the bolts. The findings reveal that adhesive thickness has a significant influence on maximum shear stress and the percentage of load transfer through the bolts, with medium-to-low adhesive thicknesses (1.0 - 2.0 mm) providing an optimal balance between stress distribution and adhesive efficiency under typical static loading conditions. This work offers design recommendations for adhesive thickness based on stress profiles and joint stiffness, which are critical for optimizing the performance of hybrid adhesive-bolt joints in practical applications.

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