Quantum mechanics

Adhesive

Linguistics

Engineering

Philosophy

Materials science

Stress (linguistics)

Infrared

Layer (electronics)

Thermoelastic damping

Radiology

Physics

Optics

Thermal

Thermography

Composite material

Structural engineering

Medicine

Meteorology

Stiffness

Forensic engineering

Nondestructive testing

NDT & E International

Adhesive bonding is a material joining process in which an adhesive, placed between the surfaces, solidifies to produce a strong bond. In this regard, adhesively bonded joints represent an interesting alternative to mechanical joints and provide many advantages over conventional mechanical fasteners: continuity of the structure, high strength-to-weight ratio, design flexibility, and easiness of fabrication. In the present research, the Thermoelastic Stress Analysis (TSA) technique has been used as a non-destructive tool for evaluating the mechanical behaviour of aeronautical adhesive bonded CFRP T-joints made by automated fibre placement process. Moreover, the thermoelastic signal was used for determining the debonded areas after the pull-off tests. The results in terms of the measured debonded area were compared to the well-established lock-in thermography technique. The capability of the Thermoelastic Stress Analysis to perform an in-depth study of the quality of T-joints has been demonstrated. • Correlation between the thermoelastic signal and the elastic stiffness of bonded T-joints. • Capability of the TSA technique for the continuous monitoring of T-joints. • Quantitative evaluation of debonding with the TSA technique and Lock-in thermography.

Thermoelastic stress analysis as a method for the quantitative non-destructive evaluation of bonded CFRP T-joints