Statistical, numerical and experimental analysis of thickness-graded adhesive for enhancing single-lap joint strength

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
seyed mahyar mir mohammad hossein ahari
Jafar Eskandari Jam
Mohammad hossein Alaei
Hossein Momeni
Pooya Pirali
Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Technologies, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
10.22055/jacm.2026.49138.5760
Abstract
This research examined adhesive joint strength between aluminum (AL) and glass-epoxy composite (GL) adherent using graded adhesive through the thickness of the joint (thickness-graded adhesive). Single-lap joints with thickness-graded adhesive were fabricated and subjected to tensile loading. Tensile strength was predicted via finite element simulations employing cohesive zone and shear damage modeling, with comparisons to experimental outcomes. Statistical analysis and optimization were performed utilizing response surface methodology (RSM), incorporating total adhesive thickness, adhesive layer thickness ratio, and adherend type as variables. Findings revealed a significant correlation between the shear damage model and experimental results, with adhesive grading enhancing joint strength by 48%. Optimization via RSM indicated that peak tensile force was attained with a total adhesive thickness of 1mm, adhesive layer thickness ratio of 0.85, and GL-GL adherent type
Keywords
single-lap joint
thickness-graded adhesive
shear damage
CZM
RSM
Subjects
Journal of Applied and Computational Mechanics

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 July 2026