A numerical sensitivity analysis on the cohesive parameters of a carbon-steel single lap joint

One of the key issues concerning the use of composite materials in the construction of steel ships, or vice versa, the use of steel in the construction of composite ships, is related to the ways of joining composite parts to the adjacent steel structure. Carbon-steel joints are of increasing interest for the maritime industry, but knowledge is scarce. Applications of adhesive joints as an alternative method to welding or riveting has numerous advantages. Still, gathering more information about the behaviour of such joints through numerical sensitivity analysis and simulation are necessary to speed up applications on ships and marine structures. The present investigation aims at assessing the sensitivity of the parameters that define the traction separation law on the numerical simulation of the de-bonding of a steel to composite single lap joint, following a previous experimental campaign. The test is intended to induce a mode II separation, although the slight bending moment caused by the misalignment of the two ends leads to mixed mode effects, as well. Two finite element software were compared, ADINA and LS-DYNA. The influence of peak traction, penalty stiffness and energy release rate were investigated, along with the effect of a mixed mode opening behaviour.