Effect of Autoclave Heating and Cooling Rates on Adhesively Bonded Lightweight Material Joints

This study investigates the effect of the rate of autoclave heating and cooling on the performance of bonded lightweight material single lap joints (SLJ) after they have been heat cycled at high relative humidity. Two different temperature ramp rates are used for the autoclave bonding of test joints. Joint performance is assessed in terms of the load transfer capacity (LTC) and the corresponding failure mode in a tensile-shear test. Three different combinations of Aluminium and Magnesium adherends are used in test samples using aliphatic polyether (polyurethane) film adhesive. The effect of heating rate on the peel strength of cured adhesive is also investigated. Data analysis and discussion are provided.