Explicit FE-Formulation of Interphase Elements for Adhesive Joints

The potential of adhesive bonding to improve the crashworthiness of cars is attracting the automotive industry. Large-scale simulations are time consuming when using the very small finite elements needed to model adhesive joints using conventional techniques. In the present work, a 2D-interphase element formulation is developed and implemented in an explicit FE-code. A simplified joint serves as a test example to compare the interphase element with a straightforward continuum approach. A comparison shows the time-saving potential of the present formulation as compared to the conventional approach. Moreover, the interphase element formulation shows fast convergence and computer efficiency.