Nondestructive Evaluation of Strength and Separation Modes in Adhesively Bonded Automotive Glass Fiber Composite Single Lap Joints

Abstract

Ultrasonic and acoustic emission (AE) nondestructive evaluation (NDE) characteriza tions of flawed (undercure of adhesive and excessive mold release on the adherends prior to bonding) and unflawed (proper cure of adhesive) adhesively bonded fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) specimens are conducted. Single lap-joint specimens are considered. The specimens consist of sheet molding compound (SMC) composite adherends bonded together with a urethane adhesive.