Failure analysis of adhesively bonded composite joints under transverse impact and different temperatures

In this study, load-carrying capacity of a single-lap joint bonded by an adhesive was found by experimental method. Glass fiber-epoxy composites were used as adherends. They were manufactured by using vacuum assisted resin infusion method (VARIM). Loctite 9466 A&B2 was used as an adhesive material. In this experimental study, two different surfaces (rough and smooth surface), four different temperatures (-20, 23, 50, and 80 degrees C) and four different impact energies (5, 10, 15, and 20J) were considered. The result shows that when the temperature increases or decreases, adhesive joint losses its adhesion and rough surfaces provide high strength according to smooth surfaces. Load-carrying capacity decrease at 5, 10 and 15J; however, it increases for 20J. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved