Structural adhesive joints: design, analysis and testing

Most structures are comprised of a number of individual parts or components which have to be connected to form a system with integral load transmission path. The structural adhesive bonding represents one of the most enabling technologies to fabricate most complex structural configurations involving advanced materials (e.g. composites) for load-bearing applications. Quite recently there has been a lot of activity in harnessing nanotechnology (use of nanomaterials) in ameliorating the existing or devising better performing structural adhesives.

The 10 chapters by subject matter experts look at the following issues: Surface preparation for structural adhesive joints (SAJ) Use of nanoparticles in enhancing performance of SAJ Optimization of SAJ Durability aspects of SAJ Debonding of SAJ Fracture mechanics of SAJ Failure analysis of SAJ Damage behavior in functionally graded SAJ Impact, shock and vibration characteristics of composites for SAJ Delamination arrest methods in SAJ