Abstract
In order to get the directions for the design of adhesive joints, the stress distribution in the adhesive layer of a modeled adhesive joint under shear, tear or tensile load has been analysed by using the finite element method. It has been shown that there is the stress concentration at the corner composed of the free surface and the adhesive-adherent interface of adhesive layer for the respective loads, and that the stress distribution at the mid-plane of the adhesive layer is uniform. The stress concentration tends to increase, except for the tensile load, when the Young's modulus of the adhesive increases, and is largest under the tear load. Therefore it is recommendable to use an adhesive of low stiffness and soft for a joint to be used under tear load. Furthermore, the validity of Volkersen's and Goland & Reissner's equations, which are popularly used to determine the maximum shear stress of lapped joints, has been discussed comparing the results analysed for shear load with these of both equations.
