ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Published Online: 5 August 2010
Page Count: 8

Analysis of Fracture in Aluminum Joints Bonded with a Bi-Component Epoxy Adhesive

Alfano, M.
Fulbright Scholar, Newmark Laboratory, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignDept. of Mechanical Engineering, Univ. Calabria, UrbanaRende, ILCosenza

Furgiuele, F.
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Calabria, Rende, Cosenza

Pagnotta, L.
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Calabria, Rende, Cosenza

Paulino, G. H.
Newmark Laboratory, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL

(Received 22 September 2009; accepted 30 June 2010)

Abstract

Adhesive bonding is a viable alternative to traditional joining systems (e.g., riveting or welding) for a wide class of components belonging to electronic, automotive, and aerospace industries. However, adhesive joints often contain flaws; therefore, the development of such technology requires reliable knowledge of the corresponding fracture properties. In the present paper, the candidate mode I fracture toughness of aluminum/epoxy joints is determined using a double cantilever beam fracture specimen. A proper data reduction scheme for fracture energy calculation has been selected based on the results of a sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, a scanning electron microscope is used in order to explore the locus of failure. Finally, the experimental findings are assessed by means of numerical simulations of crack growth carried out using a cohesive zone model.

Keywords:
epoxy adhesive, fracture, cohesive zone model

Paper ID: JTE102753
DOI: 10.1520/JTE102753
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