A Model for Predicting Joint Durability

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Abstract
A model has been developed to describe the mechanics of environmental failure of adhesive joints. This model has led to the combination of thermodynamic and water diffusion data with a continuum fracture mechanics approach which has enabled quantitative predictions to be undertaken for the durability of tensile butt joints, consisting of mild steel substrates bonded with a simple epoxide adhesive, exposed to aqueous environments. The agreement between the predictions of the model and experimental measurements is good.