LAUSR

Abstract When it comes to evaluating adhesive bond performance and safety, different approaches are known. Whilst mechanical lab tests strive to measure pure bond strength via lap- shear or peel stress, fracture mechanics goes one step further. There, fracture toughness is the ultimate failure criterion indicating a materials’ resistance against crack propagation. However, almost countless competing approaches, measures and, concepts from literature make safety evaluation of adhesively bonded structures a challenging task. This study aims to provide a fracture analytical evaluation approach by analyzing the structural integrity of adhesively bonded structures. To achieve this, a novel set of safety metrics both on a technical and economical basis were introduced. Experiments on three structural adhesives were conducted to demonstrate the practicability of this method for quality and safety control. Results unveil a significant gain of information about the techno-economic safety and performance of adhesive-bonded structures compared to data provided in technical data sheets giving clarity to decision-makers for their adhesive selection.