Structural bonding applications for the transportation industry

Structural bonding of assemblies using adhesives is a rapidly emerging technology in the transportation industry. Definitions of the benefits of fiber-reinforced composite materials, including explanations of why major manufacturers have found reasons to fabricate with composites are discussed. A critical aspect of structural bonding is the durability performance of the bonded assembly. Tests must also be Performed during or after environmental conditions to stimulate accelerated field exposures. Most often, the load bearing assemblies are subjected to severe service conditions due to the nature of the application. This paper examines two applications in the transportation industry, including automotive and marine where adhesives were pre-qualified for structural bonding via laboratory experiments. Evaluations included static testing such as lap-shear and peel as well as dynamic testing, such as cycle fatigue.