Bonded joints in shipbuilding: A technological approach to the characterization of actual performances

The work reviews the state of the art of the use of bonded joints in shipbuilding, and describes motivations, features and results of an experimental research program aimed at characterizing actual performances attainable in bonded joints by use of several adhesives, currently available on the market, applied in realistic conditions. Joints with different specifications, realized with substrates in steel and in aluminum alloys, are examined. Tests carried out on specimens realized with an adhesive layer thickness realistic for shipbuilding, have been carried out. The effect of marine environment is also considered, comparing results of mechanical test on un-exposed specimens with those obtained on specimens exposed to environmental effects such as salt mist spray and ultra-violet rays. The final aim of the program is to apply the selected bonding procedure to a real case in order to check the applicability of the joint.