Mechanical Characterization of Adhesive in Lap Joint Under Tensile Load

The present work gives details of adhesive characterization in lap joints under quasi static tensile failure load. Rivets are major threat for an aircraft structure because of high stress concentration at lesser area ease to failure and also causes drag in aerodynamic perspective. Researchers are searching for a different method to avoid the stress concentrations in lesser area. The use of adhesives instead of rivets is most feasible solution for reducing stress concentration and aerodynamic drag. To investigate the strength of structures at joints, lap joint is made with adherends of Aluminium 8011, Mild steel 2062 and Glass fibre reinforced plastic is bonded with epoxy adhesives on lap joint were carried out to find the ultimate static failure load of an adhesives. The ultimate failure loads were compared for the different adherends and adhesives to establish the best combination among them. The Load VS Displacement plots were also compared to establish the characteristics of adhesive joints. The results show that Araldite AV 138 IN for GFRP adherends gives higher failure strength compared to other adhesives and adherends. Hence the use of AV 138 IN adhesives at the joints will give better strength to the structures.