Investigation on the mechanical properties of Nano-Al2O3 particle reinforced single lap adhesive joints using digimat mean field homogenization and finite element method

When the studies on particle reinforced adhesive joints are evaluated, there is a deficiency in simulation methods. Considering the diversity of particles and the variability of reinforcement ratios, obtaining the mechanical properties of particle reinforced adhesives experimentally is a costly process with a high workload. In this study, the mechanical properties of single-lap adhesive joints (SLJs) produced with pure DP460 and 4 % nano-Al2O3 reinforced DP460 epoxy composite adhesive were investigated using Digimat Mean Field Homogenization and Finite Element Method (FEM). At first, bulk and SLJs specimens were produced from composite and pure adhesives to perform experimental studies. Next, based on the experimental studies, finite element analysis (FEA) of the bulk specimens and SLJs was conducted. In the FEM, the Digimat-Mean Field (Digimat-MF) homogenization approach and Ansys structural analysis were employed together. In the first step of the simulation studies, the mechanical properties of the nano-composite adhesive were obtained using the Digimat-MF homeogenization method. In the second step, Digimat interface was created in the Ansys program and material properties were defined. In this way, the structural analysis of nano-Al2O3 reinforced bulk specimens and SLJs were accurately analyzed. In the FEA, tensile strength values of bulk specimens of pure DP460 and 4 % nano-Al2O3 reinforced DP460 epoxy adhesives were obtained. At the end of the study, experimental and simulation data were verified and compared. When the data acquired were evaluated, it was seen that the Digimat-MF homogenization approach and Ansys FEM were successfully applied to adhesive joints containing composite adhesives.