Investigating the effects of different temperatures on the mixed-mode fracture parameters in adhesively bonded joints considering cohesive zone modeling

This paper investigates the influence of temperature on the fracture behavior of a structural adhesive across pure and mixed loading conditions using experimental and finite element methods. The cohesive zone modeling (CZM) was employed to establish fracture parameters of the adhesive assemblies within the temperature range of-60 degrees C to + 60 degrees C. The adhesive behavior was characterized by deriving the normal and transverse (shear) CZM laws through the experimental data (compliance-based beam method) and an inverse technique, utilizing double cantilever beam (DCB) and end notch flexure (ENF) specimens. The determined CZM law parameters were then implemented in the numerically modelling of mixed mode Arcan specimens to generate load-displacement curves using ABAQUS software. It was observed that as the temperature elevates, the ductility of the adhesive also increases, resulting in higher fracture loads. The data obtained from the finite element method (FEM) were validated by comparing them to the experimental results. Furthermore, a satisfactory agreement was achieved between the numerical and experimental fracture responses at each temperature, demonstrating the reliability of the extracted CZM law parameters. This research has also confirmed the effectiveness of the cohesive zone modeling in predicting the fracture behavior of adhesive bonding that are subjected to different thermal and mixed loading states.