Advances in Numerical Modeling of Adhesive Joints

Lucas F. M. da Silva is currently Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto. He received a PhD related to adhesive bonding in 2004 from the University of Bristol under the supervision of Prof RD Adams. Since then, he has been teaching and investigating structural adhesive joints. The work covers a wide range of engineering structural adhesives such as epoxies, acrylics and bismaleimides. Several test methods for adhesive joints are available at the FEUP including various joint configurations such as bulk specimens, lap shear joints and butt joints. In addition to the experimental expertise, detailed analytical models and finite element analysis of stresses and strains within the joints are also undertaken. In 2005 he joined the editorial board of the "International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives".

Introduction.- Finite element method.- Boundary element method.- Finite difference method.- Conclusions.