The influences of reinforced overlap regions on the strength of adhesive joints

The mechanical behavior of adhesive bonded joints depends on several parameters such as the geometric properties of the joint and the properties of the materials constituting the joint. This complexity makes it challenging to predict the mechanical behavior of adhesive bonded joints. Numerous studies have been conducted to understand the mechanical behavior of adhesive bonded joints and different models have been proposed. In this study, the effects of using reinforcement material in the bonding region of adhesive bonded single lap joints subjected to axial tensile load, as well as hybrid joints (riveted adhesive joints), have been investigated through experimental and numerical analyses. In the experimental studies, samples were produced using 3M DP490 adhesive, DIN Ck75 (SAE / AISI 1075) steel as the adherend, AA 1050 H14 aluminum as the reinforcement material, and stainless steel riveted pins for hybrid joints. Samples produced for experimental studies were subjected to axial tensile load using a tensile testing machine to determine failure loads. Mechanical behaviors and stress analyses of the models created for numerical studies were performed using finite element analysis software, specifically ANSYS 2024 package program. Stress analyses examined parameters such as lap length, use of reinforcement material in the bonding region, reinforcement material length, and use of rivets, which affect the joint strength. The results obtained from numerical and experimental studies were compared and presented. It was found that an increase in lap length, use of reinforcement material, and length of reinforcement material led to an increase in joint strengths. Additionally, it was observed that the addition of rivets to the joints had a positive contribution to joint strength.