Numerical and experimental 3-point bending quasi-static flexural behavior of single-strap joints joined using AF163-2K adhesive films

ABSTRACT

This paper evaluated the mechanical characteristics of adhesive-single-bonded strap joints with varied numbers of adhesive layers subjected to flexural loads. Six samples were submitted to a 3-point bending test, three with the strap facing up and three with the strap facing down, and the failure behavior was analyzed. A 3-D finite element (FE) model was created in ABAQUS/Explicit. The adhesive layer (AF163-2K) failure was represented by cohesive zone components. It was discovered that the samples with the thickest adhesive layer obtained the highest load values. Furthermore, compared to samples with the strap facing down, those with the strap facing up demonstrated greater strength. Experiments were conducted to validate the constructed numerical model. Given that this type of configuration is one of the most commonly employed, especially in the repair of aeronautical structures, studying single-strap joints is deemed beneficial for designers.

KEYWORDS:

• 3-point bending
• strap joints
• adhesive film
• quasi-static flexural behavior
• and finite element (FE)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).