Bending Tests of a Single-lap Adhesive Joint

The strength and durability of the adhesive joint are, among other factors, a function of the joint’s dimensions and the size ofthe adhesive layer acting as a connecting element. In practice, the thickness of the adhesive layer is the result of, i.a., the tolerance of thejoined elements. The main purpose of the article is to determine the initial deformation of a single-lap adhesive joint at the stage of fixingthe joint in the grips of the testing machine. The article considers various aspects of manufacturing specimens of a single-lap adhesivejoint, as well as the repeatability of the dimensions of the joined aluminum tabs. The effect of tab preparation technology on the overalldimensions of the joint is discussed. A statistical analysis of the dimensions of the aluminum tabs, as well as the length and the thicknessof the adhesive layer is presented. A device and technology for producing a single-lap adhesive joint with repeatable dimensions underlaboratory conditions, along with an example of this device’s application, are also presented. The final part of the paper presents tests ofthe initial deformation of a single-lap adhesive joint during alignment of the overlap axis. A specially designed fixture enabling such testsis described in detail. In the tests undertaken to determine the initial deformation of the joint and the change in the clamping force of themovable handle on the upper tab, it was shown that there is no permanent deformation at the stage of aligning the tabs.