Mixed-Mode Fracture Of Adhesively Bonded Joints

ABSTRACT: The study focuses on using fracture mechanics to evaluate mixed-mode fracture properties of adhesively bonded aerospace material systems. As a part of experimental efforts, mixed-mode fracture tests were performed using modified Arcan specimens consisting of several combinations of adhesive, composite and metallic adherends using a special loading device. By varying the loading angle,α from 0ο to 90ο, mode I, mixed-mode and mode II fracture data were obtained experimentally. Experimental and theoretical studies of mixed-mode fracture behaviour of adhesively bonded aluminium, steel and CF/PEI composite joints were also performed using an adhesive in the aerospace industry. Finite element analyses were carried out on specimens with different adherends. Based on those analyses, mixed-mode fracture criterions for the adhesively bonded systems under consideration have been determined.