Fracture Mechanics of Adhesive Bonds

Abstract

Abstract A survey is given of the mechanics of rupture of a simple adhesive joint, comprising two relatively rigid adhering members joined by a layer of a deformable adhesive. Several different modes of failure are treated in terms of a critical energy requirement for growth by unit area of a pre-existing interfacial flaw or debond. They are: (i) Tensile rupture of joints with thick or thin adhesive layers, (ii) Shear rupture, (iii) Separation by stripping apart stiff or flexible adherends, i.e. cleavage. In addition, the stresses set up in joints by shrinkage of the adhesive, for example due to differential thermal contraction, are evaluated. Attention is drawn to probable sites and conditions for failure.