Analysis and Design of Structural Bonded Joints

254 7. 2 AEROSPACE 261 7. 3 MARINE 265 7. 4 GROUND TRANSPORTATION 268 7. 5 CNIL 270 References 285 Index Preface Most structures consist of an assembly of a number of individual components that must be connected to form an integral load transmission path. These connections are often referred to as joints and can be achieved in a variety of forms, e. g. by bolting, riveting, or other forms of mechanical fastening, or by welding or brazing for connecting metallic elements, or by adhesive bonding. No matter what forms of connections are used in the structure, these joints are potentially the weakest points in the structure and the locations where a weight penalty may apply. Thus structural joints must be designed adequately to meet the specific design requirements. Adhesive bonding represents one of the most important enabling technologies for developing innovative design concepts and structural configurations as well as exploiting new materials. The evolution of adhesive bonding technology, and its current knowledge base, was made possibly by the explosive growth in the adhesive applications in a great variety of industries over the past few decades. While it is easy for everyone to identify examples of adhesive bonding in the world around us, analysis and design of structural bonded joints represent one of the most challenging jobs in structural design and manufacturing. Compared to other joining methods, particularly mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding can offer substantial performance and economic advantages.