## 1 Introduction
Through the application of finite element analysis, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of adhesive characteristics and failure criteria on the overall structural integrity of the joint. More information on the behavior of single lap joints and their numerical simulation can be found in the review articles by [PERSON] [24], [PERSON] et al. [25], [PERSON] et al. [26], and [PERSON] et al. [27]. Based on the detailed overview of the above-mentioned studies on how CZ modeling approaches were employed to model various adhesive failures in single lap joints, it can be seen that numerous adhesive models were proposed by the researchers [24], with each compared with relevant experimental results. However, none of them compare the suitability of various adhesive model representations to a lap joint problem because some of the models have limitations. This gap makes it difficult to quantitatively assess the relative suitability of each modeling representation. In this study, a cohesive zone interface model in Abaqus was calibrated and validated using prior experimental and modeling work from [28], ensuring that the constitutive parameters accurately reflect adhesive behavior. Then, this validated model is extended to investigate a broader range of joint geometries by varying adherend thicknesses and overlap lengths to assess how these parameters influence stress distribution, failure modes, and overall joint performance. By systematically analyzing both continuum and cohesive element strategies in this context, this study provides practical guidance on selecting an appropriate modeling approach for specific adhesive systems. This framework also helps bridge the gap between purely numerical analyses and real-world applications, offering a roadmap for optimizing adhesive joints in terms of durability, manufacturing feasibility, and cost effectiveness. Detailed numerical and experimental validations are conducted to provide a comprehensive assessment of different CZ modeling approaches and identify the most suitable CZ model for specific adhesive types. In addition to numerical simulations, incorporating an analytical approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the stress distribution in adhesive joints. Analytical models, particularly those that describe peel and shear stresses, offer a simpler yet effective means to validate numerical results, ensuring that the finite element model accurately represents the physical behavior of the system. The classical formulations by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [29], along with subsequent developments in the literature [30; 31; 32; 33], have laid a strong foundation for analyzing cemented joints. By leveraging these analytical solutions, we can enhance the robustness of the numerical analysis, particularly in predicting failure modes and optimizing joint design. This comparison research not only improves the capacity to forecast numerical simulations but also provides guidance for designing and optimizing adhesive joints to boost durability and performance. The remainder of the manuscript is organized as follows. Firstly, the geometry and boundary conditions of the single lap joint model are discussed along with the various cases of cohesive zone representation within the adhesive layer that are explored. Secondly, these CZ representations are first validated by comparison to published experiments and then are studied numerically by finite element models in comparison with a simplified analytical model of SLJ. An array of lap joint dimensions is explored to assess the generalizability of the behavior of the CZ representations. Lastly, conclusions are drawn about the comparisons of the CZ approaches.