STRENGTH OF METAL TO POLYMER ADHESIVE BONDED AND RIVETED JOINTS

Abstract

An important problem in the design of modern lightweight structures is the choice of an assembling method adequate to join dissimilar materials: adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening or a hybrid technique. Mechanical fasteners tend to be inefficient in the load transfer because of high stress concentrations that occur. Adhesive joints are more convenient because of the continuity of bonding line, more uniform distribution of stresses, superior fatigue life, reduction or elimination of machining operations, diminution of costs. This paper presents the results of a combined study based on finite element analyses and laboratory tests performed on aluminium or steel sheets assembled by adhesive bonding and riveting with plates made from different plastic materials.