Experimental characterization of cohesive zone models for thin adhesive layers loaded in mode I, mode II, and mixed-mode I/II by the use of a direct method.

Abstract The demand for designing lightweight structures without any loss of strength or stiffness has conducted many engineers and researchers to seek for alternative joining methods. In this context, adhesive bonding may appear as an attractive joining method. However the interest of adhesive bonding remains while the structural integrity of the joint is ensured. According to recent literature the cohesive zone model (CZM) appears as a suitable approach able to predict both static and fatigue strength of adhesively bonded joints. This approach of the fracture process of adhesive layers is based on the modeling of the adhesive mechanical behavior through a set of adhesive cohesive properties in either mode I, mode II or mixed-mode I/II. The strength prediction of adhesively bonded joints is then highly dependent on the CZM parameters. The methods used to experimentally characterize them are thus essential. A new methodology, termed direct method, is presented and tested. It is based on the measurement of displacement field of bonded adherends at the crack tip of classical specimens allowing for the loading of the adhesive layer in pure mode I, pure mode II and mixed-mode I/II. The tested adhesive is a methacrylate–based two-component adhesive paste found under the reference SAF30 MIB manufactured by AEC Polymers (ARKEMA group). The adherends are in aluminium 6060. It is shown that it is possible to characterize the cohesive properties of the adhesive layer using the direct method. The numerical tests involve both adherends and adhesive nonlinearities. Nevertheless, the presented experimental implementation passes by the development of a dedicated data pre-processing to interpret the experimental measurements, highlighting the significance of the choice of the measurement means linked to the design of specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]