ABSTRACT
Structural adhesives have found increasing acceptance in the automotive industry in recent years, providing an enabling technology for the use of light weight materials and aiding in the optimization of structural performance of conventional materials. Assessment of adhesive bond performance and prediction of durability in automotive applications remain contentious issues. Material characterization and engineering performance test methods play key roles in resolving these issues. Selected engineering test methods for adhesive flow properties, bond durability and bonded structure impact performance are described. While these tests do not necessarily provide a fundamental characterization of adhesive material or system properties, they do allow a ranking of material (or system) performance. Basic studies of failure mechanisms have been conducted to help validate the durability and impact test methods.
