An improved shear beam method for the characterization of bonded composite joints

Closed-form analytical solutions, which govern the displacements and stresses in an adhesive shear beam, are discussed. The remarkable precision with which the shear stresses in the adhesive can be predicted forms the basis of the proposed characterization procedure. The shear modulus of the adhesive is obtained by means of a parameter estimation procedure which requires a symbiosis of theoretical and experimental stress analysis.