Before detailed joint design is performed, it is necessary to consider to the service environment and the requirements for joint performance. The service environment will include the loads, temperature range of operation and other factors such as humidity and potential corrosive conditions. This will lead to the following considerations.
- Selection of an appropriate adhesive for the materials and service environment.
- Static load levels and the potential for creep in the adhesive.
- Cyclic loads and the fatigue resistance of the joint.
- Impact loads at effects of high rates of loading.
- Long-term effects of the environment on joint integrity.
NOTE: All assessment testing (quasi-static, impact, or fatigue) should always be performed on the adherend in the form that is to be used within the service joint. For example, extruded aluminium bars will have different surface properties to those found on rolled sheet of the same alloy. These subtle composition changes could affect the performance of the joint.
An introduction to these areas is provided and, where applicable, includes relevant test methods. Links to more detailed work within the adhesives toolkit are also provided.
