Adhesive joint design is important for safety and reliability and also for efficiency. Design addresses the requirement that failure should not occur during the life of a component or structure of interest and also addresses ease of manufacturing and cost requirements. Design involves the selection of the adhesive system (substrate materials, surface preparation and adhesive) and determination of the most efficient joint geometry that will meet the loading and environmental conditions experienced in service.
A step-by-step approach is intended to guide the user through the important issues from types of joint available to design criteria used to optimise joint performance, two further modules are planned for the future, covering manufacture and supportability issues. Where available, links are provided to more detailed information.
