Simplified analytical model for adhesive-bonded tubular joints with isotropic and composite adherends subjected to tension

Abstract Many studies have investigated adhesive tubular joints subjected to axial load. However, previous analytical studies were only limited to the joints with single-layer isotropic or orthotropic materials, and the corresponding mathematical models were highly complicated. Thus, the aim of this article is to develop a simplified but comprehensive model for studying adhesive-bonded tubular coupler joints subjected to tension. The joint adherends can be made of isotropic, orthotropic, or multilayer composite materials. This study presents the formulation of the mathematical model for stress analysis in coupler joints. Assumptions of an axisymmetric joint with linearly elastic adherends and adhesive materials are employed. A thin adhesive layer is considered such that only the out-of-plane adhesive stresses are concerned and are treated to be uniform through the layer thickness. Using elasticity theory and the newly developed finite-segmented method, stress distributions in both adherends and the adhesive can be evaluated. The influence of fiber angle in the cases of composite adherends and joint geometries are studied. The results provide a good guideline in designing adhesive-bonded cylindrical joints with isotropic and composite adherends under axial loads.