Analytical investigation of hygrothermal effects on failure mechanisms of adhesively bonded corrugated sandwich structures under three-point bending

Abstract

This research paper presents an analytical mechanics model for studying the degraded failure mechanics of an adhesively bonded corrugated sandwich structure (ABCSS) subjected to three-point bending and hygrothermal ageing loads. The model incorporates a detailed stress state model that considers the stress distribution of the adhesive layer, including the adhesive fillet, to more accurately reflect the failure mechanics of ABCSS. The Fickian Diffusion model and a degradation coefficient are used to describe the characteristics of water diffusion and hygrothermal mechanical degradation for the adhesive joint in ABCSS. The hygrothermal ageing experiments are conducted by immersing the ABCSS into deionized water and 5 wt% NaCl water, followed by three-point bending tests after hygrothermal ageing. The proposed two-step finite element (FE) method is developed to simulate both moisture diffusion and three-point bending test. The presented FE method is validated through comparison with corresponding experimental results, then it is utilized to demonstrate that the proposed analytical model is accurate enough in initial failure modes and initial failure loads predictions. At last, the hygrothermal effects on degraded stress distribution and degraded failure performance are investigated through analytical method, and the degraded failure mechanics maps are constructed to further visually demonstrate failure mechanics with the aid of the analytical model.