Effect of salt spray ageing on the fracture of composite-to-metal bonded joints

This work investigates the effect of long-term environmental exposure on performance composite-to-metal bonded joints. Specimens are manufactured using a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) co-bonded to steel member with epoxy adhesive and aged in salt spray chamber. The mixed-mode fracture behavior non-aged specimens is assessed bending (MMB) test apparatus. energy calculated finite elements method an analytical approach, strain-based (SBM). SBM showed be simple accurate obtain total mode ratio bi-material specimen. Ageing increased toughness at crack initiation by 27% for loaded 20% II 7% 15% II. can related shear plasticization material. During propagation, remained similar decreased Fractography analysis together chemical characterization that penetration moisture edges surface produced failure these regions affected moisture. Moreover, unaffected shifted from cohesive combination thin-layer after ageing. results contributed describe ageing materials.