Wedge tests are usually analysed assuming that the free, unbonded members may be treated as encastré cantilever beams. However, if the adhesive layer is sufficiently flexible (e.g., due to low elastic modulus), then significant strain in the bonded region may occur and lead to modification of the behaviour outside this region. Using in conjunction a sensitive strain gauge method on asymmetric wedge tests and a mathematical analysis...

The effect of adhesive compliance on the deflection of a loaded, bonded beam was studied using laser profilometry. Experimental data obtained were compared with both Euler-Bernoulli (encastré) and Winkler (one parameter elastic foundation) models. A third, analytical, 2D model, based on shear within the adhesive layer (two parameter elastic foundation), was introduced. Finite element analysis (FEA) was also used to study the effect...

Adhesive cure is an important and determining aspect of strength and stability of bonded structures. Crosslinking of the polymer leads to the adhesive strength, stiffness and durability. Depending on the resin and curing agent used, cure time can vary from minutes to weeks, even then 100% crosslinking not being guaranteed. Standard methods based on dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) or calorimetric techniques (DSC, DTA) are valuable...

L'essai de clivage en coin, plus communément appelle 'boeing wedge' test, est une méthode de référence pour qualifier la tenue mécanique a long terme des collages structuraux. Cette technique est particulièrement appréciée de par son faible cout et la simplicité de sa mise en ouevre. Elle consiste a précontraindre la colle en insérant un coin entre deux plaques assembles. L'énergie élastique ainsi stockée dans la structure...

The wedge test and the related double cantilever beam test are practical methods of assessing structural adhesive fracture energy. In the former, and to a lesser extent the latter, a recognised problem is the difficulty of following the length of the growing crack, required to calculate fracture energy with any accuracy. We present a novel method of measurement of crack length that has the advantages of being accurate and allowing...