Title: Modelling of adhesive bonded joints in vehicle substructures

Authors: S. M. Steidler, J. Durodola, A. Beevers

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 OBP, UK. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 OBP, UK. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 OBP, UK

Abstract: It is well established that adhesive bonded structures are stiffer than assemblies fabricated with fasteners or spot welds. The enhancement of stiffness obtained by adhesive bonding in car bodies can contribute to improved vehicle stability and passenger comfort and is a desirable design objective. However, the actual stiffness of bonded joints and their effectiveness on the behaviour of large structures are difficult to quantify as they depend on many variables. Finite element techniques have been applied to model typical joints for car bodies and to predict the stiffness when subjected to various loading conditions. These models have been used to explore effects of dimensions/geometry and adhesive properties on joint characteristics. A novel approach has been developed to enable the behaviour of joints to be translated into a full car body model. This technique, based on an undercut element concept, has been validated by experimental analysis and provides a more accurate estimate of full body behaviour. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of different adhesive joint features on body stiffness.

Keywords: adhesive joints; car bodies; finite element method; FEM; modelling; stiffness; adhesives; joining; bonding; automotive assembly; automobile industry; vehicle substructures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1999.036284

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1999 Vol.14 No.5/6, pp.467 - 475

Published online: 01 Nov 2010 *

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