Influence of the thickness of joined elements on lap length of aluminium alloy sheet bonded joints

This work features the results of experimental research in determining the limiting length of the bonded single-lap joint of materials of the same thickness, different thicknesses and of hybrid systems of different aluminium alloy sheets. The length of the bonded lap joint is just one of the structural features, critical to the strength of bonded joints, this length depending on the thickness and type of the bonded elements. In the case of single-lap bonded joints there is a limiting lap length exceeding of which should not increase the strength of such joints. This is why the length of a bonded lap joint is critical in terms of strength and application concerns. The length of the lap is not always reflected in practice due to simplification of the analytical relations. What is required is experimental verification of the derived theoretical relations. The tested materials are aluminium alloy sheets, widely used in the machinery, aviation and construction industries.