EFFECT OF LOADING RATE ON FRACTURE-TOUGHNESS OF BONDED JOINTS

Feasibility studies in using adhesive bonding to replace conventional fastening methods have been proved successful. At this stage it is essential to furnish the designer with the data required for such type of fabrication. One of the main factors affecting the bonded joint strength is the loading rate. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the role of loading rate on fracture toughness of bonded joints. Cleavage strength tests were carried out at different loading rates using epoxy resin as an adhesive material and two adherend materials, namely aluminium and brass. Tests were carried out to cover seven different loading rates. The results indicate a significant role of the strain rate on the fracture strength.