Simulation of the shearing of a lap joint

This simulation of the shearing of a lap joint illustrates the use of general contact in Abaqus/Standard.

The model consists of two overlapping aluminum plates that are connected with a titanium rivet. The left end of the bottom plate is fixed, and the force is applied to the right end of the top plate to shear the joint. Figure 1 shows the basic arrangement of the components. Because of symmetry, only half of the joint is modeled to reduce computational cost. Frictional contact is assumed.

Figure 1. Lap joint analysis.