Fracture energy of bonded joints with 2D elastic adhesive layer

When bonded joint is subjected to mode I fracture loading, the adhesive joints analytical solutions treats the adhesive layer, usually, as not existing or 1D Hook elastic layer. In the case of 1D elastic layer, represented as Hooks spring element, is acting, only, in direction contrary to the applied load. Basing on the information yielded from sensitive laser profilometry technique, where deflections of bonded part of the joint were measured, within this contribution, 2D Finite Element Method model is introduced. The FEM allows adhesive layer to be simulated as two perpendicular-acting Hook's springs, thus in-plane shear compliance is enabled. Subsequently, appropriate analysis were carried out. Results, in terms of plate deflection, were compared with laser profilometry technique and common analytical solutions. It is concluded that linear 1D model is not sufficient for the asymmetric bonded joint configuration since the adhesive resists actively also in the in-plane shearing direction. Omitting shearing compliance effect can lead to valuable misinterpretation of the fracture energy, up to 20% in cases studied, and thus, cannot be ignored. Finally, power law based, correction factors are given promising fast and reliable data correction.