Damage modelling for the lifetime prediction of structural adhesive joints subjected to hygro‐thermo‐mechanical long‐term loading

Abstract

AbstractA damage model is presented for the lifetime prediction of structural adhesive joints under hygro‐thermo‐mechanical loading. The damage approach is applied through a cohesive zone model together with the concept of effective stress. It consists of a temperature‐dependent creep and hygro damage evolution due to mechanical loading and chemical aging, caused by the local water concentration. The creep damage part considers multiaxiality of the loading by an equivalent stress. The model parameters are identified by means of rupture times from creep tests under different mechanical loadings, temperatures and humidity conditions. The model and the identified parameters are verified by means of FE‐simulations until rupture of an adhesive joint.