Abstract
The behaviour of the adhesive bonded joints due to the imposed eccentric loading generates a very complex distribution of the stress in the structure. Good adhesion between substrate and adhesive ensures a successful and lasting assembly. In this study the finite element method is used to analyze the behaviour of a bonded lap joint of dissimilar materials. The effects of the mechanical properties of the joints on the shear stress variation with and without presence of a circular notch are investigated. The results show that the maximum shear stresses are located at a distance of about 18% that of the lap length whatever the type of material used. In addition, the stress intensity factor is amplified by the presence of the negative effect of disband whose increase is linearly proportional to the square of the stress intensity factor. It reached its maximum value for a crack length equal to two-fifths of the notch radius.