Analytical Solution for the Displacement Field in Composite Single-Lap Shear Joints With Zero-Thickness Interfaces

An analytical model for predicting the displacement field in composite single-lap shear joints with zero-thickness interfaces is developed and verified with numerical simulations. This two-dimensional model imposes no restrictions on the composite layup or the dimensions of the adherends. It closely aligns with the displacement field predicted by numerical simulations, provided that the assumptions of small deformations and plane strain are satisfied. Small discrepancies are observed near the overlap region because the stress-free boundary condition at the overlap ends is not satisfied exactly. Consequently, the joint stiffness is slightly overestimated compared to the numerical simulations. Nonetheless, the analytical model can serve as a useful tool for providing input for more detailed analyses of single-lap shear joints, for example for determining the interlaminar stress field at the interface between the two adherends.