Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

Slow crack propagation in adhesive bonded joints has been characterised using an asymmetric wedge test. Crack position was evaluated from strain gauge measurements, both in the debonded partof the joint and in the bonded zone. Test temperature was changed during loading, giving insight into bond evolution. The technique allows accurate, and virtually continuous, determination of crack position to be made, and therefore the evaluation of crack speed versus fracture energy curves, as well as elastic propertiesof the adhesive layer. This technique also enables the monitoring of crack propagation in controlled environmental conditions to be performed, without interruption of exposure for measurements. By using a Winkler elastic foundation model to analyse results, the method seems to be the first to describe a process zone, or regionwhere the adhesive is significantly strained under load, and a finite length specimen effect,manifested by crack front acceleration during the final stage of the test. The method was found to offer great potential to study in situ fracture and bulk adhesive properties.

Authors

• dr inż. Michał Budzik link open in new tab ,
• Julien Jumel,
• Martin Shanahan