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Progress in the Reliability of Bonded Composite Structures

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Abstract

This paper reviews recent research progress in the detection of contamination on composites surfaces before bonding. Results to date indicate that it is possible to use a simple handheld instrument to determine if a composite surface is in such a state that a durable bond can be achieved. This study examined both airborne and contact contamination and found that contact contaminants can originate from unexpected sources. Monitoring of airborne contaminants in various manufacturing locations indicated that discrete contamination events can occur that are potentially detrimental to adhesion.

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Notes

  1. Nondestructive inspection (NDI) and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) are used interchangeably in the literature and refer to inspection of a structures and materials to evaluate its properties or suitability for service.

  2. A kissing bond is a one in which there an intimate contact between adhesive and adherend but with little or no adhesion between them.

  3. The test article chosen for this program was the C-17 fuselage.

  4. It is very difficult to bond to a low energy surface.

  5. DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide, a liquid commonly used as surface energy standard.

  6. Transition Reliable Unitized STructure (TRUST)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Azimuth Corp, 4027 Colonel Glenn Hwy, STE 230, Beavercreek, OH, 45431, USA

    Robert Crane

  2. BTG Labs, 5129 Kieley Place, St Bernard, OH, 45217-1147, USA

    Giles Dillingham & Brietta Oakley

Authors
  1. Robert Crane
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  2. Giles Dillingham
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  3. Brietta Oakley
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Correspondence to Robert Crane.

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Crane, R., Dillingham, G. & Oakley, B. Progress in the Reliability of Bonded Composite Structures. Appl Compos Mater 24, 221–233 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10443-016-9523-2

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