ABSTRACT
Any manufacturing process will inevitably introduce a number of defects in the end product. It is almost impossible to produce a defect free joint, even with stringent controls. Volatiles, entrapped air, foreign bodies, grease or dirt create disbonds in the joint. No load can be transferred through areas that are disbonded. Consequently, load has to be transferred through alternative neighbouring paths, increasing the amount of stress in these areas. It is important to know how these defects affect the strength of the bonded component. Non-destructive techniques capable of identifying defective areas could then be used, and the strength of the defective components could be estimated.
