Effect of the Strain Rate on the Mechanical Behaviour of Epoxy Adhesives

Abstract

In this paper the dynamic mechanical behaviour of two epoxy adhesives for structural bonding is investigated. The study has been focused on the influence of the strain rate on the tensile and compressive strength of specimens made of adhesive. The experimental tests have been performed with an hydraulic universal testing machine and a tension-compression Hopkinson bar. The results of the tests show that the σ−ε curve rises significantly increasing the strain rate. The Cowper-Symonds and Johnson-Cook models of strain rate dependence have been used to fit the experimental data with unsatisfactory results, thus a poly-linear fit has been adopted.