Effect of low-velocity impact on the strength and durability of bonded joint in hygrothermal environment

The effect of low-velocity impact on the strength durability of adhesively bonded joints in hygrothermal environment was investigated in this study. Four different impact energies were applied during the low-velocity impact process, and the impacted joints were then subjected to hygrothermal exposure. The impact characteristics, residual strength, adhesive characteristics, and failure modes of tested samples were analyzed. The results indicated that the bonding strength and environmental durability of joints were greatly affected by the impact, initial damages caused by the impact decreased the joint strength and accelerated the moisture penetration in the hygrothermal exposure. The strength of the unimpacted joint was reduced by 5.51% after exposure, while the strengths of the impacted joints were reduced by 6.81, 7.69, 10.04% and 12.5%, respectively, for impact energies of 4 J, 8 J, 12 J and 16 J.