Hallo everyone,

I have been modelling adhesive joints for the ks specimen (fig attached). I am performing the 90 degree tensile test analysis in which I model steel as shell and adhesive as a solid. The continuum solid Elements of adhäsive layer are C3D8R and for steel are shell elements S4R. I am fixing the bottom part and apply force on the above steel part. while both steel and adhesive are tied together via tie contacts. I am using a reference point where i pull the specimen with force. For the force displacement curve i have been using history output ( reaction force) RF2 vs displacement (U2) .Unfortunatelly my force displacement curves from the simulation are quite high as compare to experiments 25 KN vs 8 KN at the same displacement of 0.85mm (fig attached). I have also tried the mesh transition technique in order to low the force displacement curve but still the force is at 25kN.I am attaching figures for the reference .please guide me and give me some helpful suggestions in order to low the force displacement curve.

Abaqus ​​​​​​​