Abstract: The stress distributions in glued joint of thin-walled structures are studied to satisfy the boundary condition of shear stress which can not be satisfied by the traditional shear lag theory. On the basis of engineering beam theory and complementary virtual work principle, two ordinary differential governing equations of second order about normal force and bending moment in the mono-lateral connecting plate are established. These governing equations can be solved exactly and all of the boundary conditions can be satisfied. Furthermore, the process of solution can be simplified through the symmetric and anti-symmetric decomposition of stress state in the glued joint. Then, the shear flow and pilling stress in the glue layer can be determined by the method of statics. Subsequently, at the terminal points of glue layer, the shear stress will vanish and the pilling stress becomes maximum. According to these new solutions, the failure of glued joint is caused by the maximum terminal pilling stress. This new solution can be applied as the correct foundation of the glued joint design.

Key words: glued joint, complementary virtual work principle, Euler equation, analytical solution, pilling stress