Prior composite experience or training is not a prerequisite for this course. Previous training in advanced composites is extremely helpful to the student. Our Phase 1 Fabrication & Damage Repair workshop is highly recommended as a prerequisite course.

This five-day course provides a foundation in the principles of producing reliable adhesively bonded joints in advanced composite and metallic structures.

Composite-to-composite solid laminate bonding and composite face sheet to honeycomb and foam core bonding, as well as aluminum preparation and bonding are the primary subjects that are covered.

Commonly encountered problems in adhesive bonding of composites and aluminum are extensively discussed. Surface preparation techniques, adhesive application, curing methods and problems, and destructive and non-destructive testing techniques are also covered.

Actual test panels are prepared and bonded by the students. Different surface preparation methods, adhesives, and processes are examined. Deliberate contamination is introduced into some of the bondlines to assess the effect. Experimentation with various materials for controlling bondline thickness is also explored.

After curing, the test panels are subjected to destructive testing to determine their actual performance under load. Test results are then used to support additional lecture material on the lessons learned from the test data.

Adhesive bonding of aluminum is thoroughly covered, including a workshop exercise using the Phosphoric Acid Anodizing and the now available Sol-Gel technology.