Computational modelling of thermal impact welded PEEK/steel single lap tensile specimens

In this contribution, an interfacial traction-separation-law based on elastoplasticity with Lemaitre-type-damage is applied. Related constitutive equations are decoupled with respect to a local orthonormal frame such that the stress–strain response is controlled independently in these directions. The constitutive traction-separation-law is applied to the simulation of thermal impact welded (TIW) single lap tensile specimens. The specimens consist of two steel substrates and a PEEK foil which is laid in between the joining zone. Tensile tests and electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) are consulted to verify the simulations. To provide brief background information, a short review on the manufacturing method of TIW and the method of ESPI is included. The comparisons of measurements and computations show that one-dimensional integral data given by global force–displacement-curves can be simulated sufficiently accurate. Two-dimensional data given by displacement and strain fields reveal good similarities between measurements and computations