ABSTRACT

Hoyt, D. M., Ward, S. H., Minguet, P. J., “Strength and Fatigue Life Modeling of Bonded Joints in Composite Structure,” American Society for Composites (ASC) 15th Technical Conference, September 2000.

The aerospace industry lacks a validated, practical analysis method for the strength, durability, and damage tolerance evaluation of bonded joints. This paper presents the results of a combined strength and fracture analysis approach applied to typical bonded joint configurations found in rotorcraft composite structures. The analysis uses detailed 2-D non-linear finite element models of the local bondline. Strength-of-materials failure criteria are used to predict critical damage initiation loads and locations. A fracture mechanics approach is used to predict damage growth and failure under static and cyclic loads based on test data for static fracture toughness (GIc, GIIc), damage onset toughness versus cycles (Gonset vs. N), and crack growth rate (da/dN).