Modelling the static response of unaged adhesively bonded structures

► We monitor the damage process in the adhesive joint using backface strain technique. ► We use backface strain technique to calibrate the cohesive zone properties. ► We examine the effect of cohesive zone position, substrate plasticity, and fillet. ► Unique sets of cohesive properties obtained successfully predict the static response. A cohesive zone model has been used to model the progressive damage in adhesively bonded aluminium monolithic single lap joints and laminated doublers. The backface strain technique was used to monitor the damage process in the adhesive layer and was also key in the calibration of a unique set of cohesive zone properties in the single lap joint. Further, this backface strain technique has been successfully used to assess the effect of substrate plasticity, position of cohesive elements, traction and fracture energy, and adhesive fillet in a monolithic single joint. The calibrated cohesive properties have then been successfully used to predict the static strength and backface strain response of the doublers in bending.