Experimental Investigation of Adhesively Bonded Composite–Composite Joints under Varied Loading Conditions Using U Shaped Arcan Specimens

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Amir Hossein Rabiei 1
Saeed Rahnama 2
Amir Kariman Moghadam 3
1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran, Birjand, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran, Birjand, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khorasan Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran
10.22034/stme.2025.535605.1148
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive, APA-style summary of an experimental investigation into modified Arcan U-shaped CFRP joints bonded with epoxy and polyurethane adhesives. The objective is to evaluate how loading angle and mode influence joint strength, failure mechanisms, and ultimate performance, with the goal of informing design practices for adhesive-bonded CFRP joints. The methodology entails preparing CFRP specimens with modified Arcan fixtures, subjecting them to loading angles of 0°, 45°, 60°, and 90°, and imposing mode-specific loading conditions (shear, mixed shear–tension, and tension). Key findings indicate systematic variation of strength and failure modes with loading angle, with distinct trends for adhesive/cohesive failures versus fiber-related failures. The results underscore the critical role of loading geometry in governing interfacial behavior, highlight the relevance of Arcan-based testing for evaluating bonded joints, and discuss implications for structural design, safety margins, and future research directions. Limitations include the controlled laboratory setting and specimen-scale constraints, suggesting caution when extrapolating to full-scale structures. The study advances understanding of CFRP joint performance under varied loading and offers practical guidance for engineers designing adhesive-bonded CFRP assemblies
Keywords
CFRP؛ Arcan Test؛ Bonded Joints؛ Adhesive؛ Surface Treatment؛ Mode I
Mode II
Subjects

اصل مقاله

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Science and Technology in Mechanical Engineering
Volume 4, Issue 2 - Serial Number 7
February 2026
Pages 139-151

  • Receive Date 19 July 2025
  • Revise Date 27 August 2025
  • Accept Date 22 September 2025
  • First Publish Date 22 September 2025
  • Publish Date 21 January 2026