Experimental Adhesive Failure Criteria for Analysis of Aerospace Structures

AbstractIn order to develop a correct methodology that can be applicable when a standard aerospace bonded joint is being sized, first it is necessary to characterize adhesives through testing campaigns. For this preliminary approach the interest was to create a simple and realistic procedure able to produce practical but usable results that could be used for standard bonded models calculations. On the present research the main objective was to find results that can be implemented on the daily basis, adjusted to the imperfections made when manufacturing bonded joints. On this study two different tests were performed: an experimental calculation of the adhesive's elasticity modulus, and obtaining shear, tensile and combined failure stresses using a classical Arcan type fixture. From the Arcan tests it was possible to create a failure line of the adhesive tested. For the elasticity modulus an experimental value was calculated and compared with results found on the literature. It was observed a greater dispersion of combined test values in comparison with the pure tests results but, based on the assumptions with which this study was conducted, an accurate and practical curve was drawn that can be used safely when modelling adhesively bonded joints with this kind of adhesive