An alternative solution for the edge moment factors of the unbalanced adhesive single-lap joint in tension

Abstract An evaluation of the existing theoretical solutions and a proposal of an improved one for edge moment factors of the unbalanced adhesive single-lap joint are performed. Firstly, the existing classical solutions are reviewed and studied in detail. The scope of applications and limitations related to the classical solutions are identified. Meanwhile, the determination for the long and short unbalanced single-lap joint (SLJ) is performed. Then, through removing disadvantages of the existing theoretical solutions, an improved theoretical solution considering the effect of large deflection for overlap is proposed. Meanwhile, the adherends of the overlap regions are treated as individual beams in the improved theoretical solution. The fully-coupled nonlinear formulations for determining adherend displacements (includes axial deformation and transverse deformation) in the overlap and edge moment factors are constructed using the improved theoretical solution. Finally, the results of the existing solutions and the improved theoretical solution are compared with the results of the finite element analysis.