This paper presents a fracture-mechanics-based approach to the prediction o
f the failure of single-lap joints manufactured by resin-transfer moulding.
Since single-lap joints can undergo large deformation, a higher-order larg
e-deformation theory is used to analyse the joint. Mode I and mode II compo
nents of energy release rate are determined from the loads and moments in t
he adherend and the overlap region at the end of the overlap. A linear fail
ure criterion is used to predict the failure load. Comparison with experime
ntal failure load data showed excellent agreement with theoretical predicti
on. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.