Comparison between models based on a coupled criterion for the prediction of the failure of adhesively bonded joints

•We compare two models based on the same assumptions to analyze the failure of adhesively bonded joints.•The two models combine the use of two criteria: a stress criterion and an energy criterion.•The first model requires only elastic calculations.•The second model is based on a continuum damage mechanics approach.

This article is aimed at comparing two models based on the same assumptions to analyze the failure of adhesively bonded joints. These models combine the use of two criteria: a stress criterion for the initiation of micro-cracks and an energy criterion for the propagation of these micro-cracks to create a macro-crack. The first model only requires elastic calculations but the second is a continuum damage model. It is shown that the comparison of the two models against experimental results permits to describe in a correct manner the effect of geometrical parameters on the strength of a bonded joint.