Progressive static failure prediction of short fibre reinforced epoxy adhesive material: A combined experimental and numerical approach

Structural adhesives are essential in various applications, particularly in the wind energy industry, where rotor blade components are joined using adhesives. Cracks in the bonding line of rotor blades indicate gaps in design and analysis knowledge. To address this, adhesives made of high-viscosity epoxy polymers reinforced with short fibres have been developed to meet industry requirements. The mechanical performance of these short fibre-reinforced polymer (SFRP) adhesives is highly dependent on the orientation distribution of the fibres within the adhesive matrix. This work presents a novel model that integrates 3D Hashin’s failure criteria with the anisotropic and non-linear behaviour of SFRPs. While traditional models typically focus on linear material behaviour or simplified failure criteria, this approach uniquely captures both the fibre and matrix failure modes, while accurately reflecting the complex, anisotropic nature and non-linear response of SFRPs. By incorporating these factors, the model enhances the prediction of failure under various loading conditions, offering a more reliable tool for analysing SFRPs in composite structures. This advancement provides a significant step toward improving the design and performance of SFRP adhesives in engineering applications.