Strength and durability of adhesive bonded structural parts in motor vehicle construction

The application of adhesive bonding in the bodywork of automobiles requires good operational performance i.e. strength and stiffness may alter only a little during the required service life. In the case of specific testing methods for strength and functional proof all parameters influencing the component behaviour has to be simulated with respect to service life conditions. That means testing methods and simulation techniques must be continually evaluated and updated. Various testing methods and simulation techniques for a durability assessment conducted on adhesively bonded aluminium and aluminium hybrid joints are presented and the results are discussed with respect to reliability on assessment for service application.