A new cohesive element for structural bonding modelling under dynamic loading

The purpose of this paper is to propose a simplified macroscopic three-dimensional cohesive element dedicated to crash engineering. At the boundary between the CCZM (Continuous Cohesive Zone Method) and the DCZM (Discrete Cohesive Zone Method) approaches, this cohesive element includes an improved constitutive model in order to take into account the viscoplaticity of the adhesive, its different behaviour in tension and compression but also its damage and failure. After presenting the model used, we will detail how to implement the new macroscopic element in the explicit time loop calculation. An example will illustrate and justify the development of such a cohesive element under dynamic loading. ► An adhesive joint subjected to crash loading is modelled with a new cohesive element. ► The spring-type element has no influence on time-step for explicit calculation. ► The constitutive model has many original features compared to existing cohesive models. ► The model parameters are simply identified from tests on bulk specimens. ► This approach is friendly used in an industrial context.