Prediction of mixed-mode cohesive fatigue strength of adhesively bonded structure using Mode I data

A cohesive zone model is presented for analyzing the fatigue life of an adhesive joint in the range of 104–106 load cycles. The parameters of the model are derived from Mode I double cantilever beam experiments. Fatigue experiments with adhesively joined components from the automotive industry are performed, and the results from the experiments are compared to the results of simulations. The error in the predicted fatigue strength is of the same order as the statistical deviation of the fatigue experiments, indicating that the simulation method produces acceptable predictions of the fatigue strength for applications in e.g. early product development.