scientific fundamentals of efficient adhesive joint in honeycomb structures for aerospace applications

Paper number

IAC-08.C2.1.13

Author

Dr. Volodymyr Slyvyns'kyy, Ukraine

Year

2008

Abstract

Development of modern aerospace technology (AST) is inseparably linked with reduction of products’ weight provided that regulated performance requirements are met. In this aspect, application of sandwich structures with honeycomb core (HC) and provision of efficient HC/skin adhesive joint in AST units is considered very promising.
Analysis of domestic and foreign experience in bonding skins with HC during manufacture of sandwich structures has shown wide use of film-forming adhesives. The best brands of such adhesives have weight of one square meter equal to 120-140 g. Such amount of adhesive considerably exceeds that amount which is required for ensuring HC/skin tearing strength and complies with tensile strength of the core. It is explained by the fact that HC material grade and thickness, and cell side dimension are not considered when film-forming adhesive is used. The said factors can be taken into account with dosed application of adhesive onto HC ends.
The paper deals with evaluation of the weight and bearing capacity of adhesive joint of skins with HC with application of adhesive onto honeycomb ends, as compared with film-forming adhesive. The authors have obtained dependencies of strength of adhesive joints on regulated conditions of loading and mass application of adhesive. The said dependencies allow developing of the manufacturing method which provides for adhesive application efficient by weight, with guaranteeing the required strength of adhesive joint. 
With the help of criterion of weight minimum, we have analyzed efficiency of adhesive application from the melt onto ends of honeycomb core of sandwich panels, as compared with the use of film-forming adhesive. Dependencies for determining dimensions of adhesive fillet, taking into account basic factors of panel bonding method, are offered. Assessment of strength of adhesive joint is carried out.
Developed scientific fundamentals, equipment and technology of adhesive application onto HC ends allow to regulate one-sided application of adhesive in the range of 20-180 g/m2 and to reduce weight of 1 m2 of honeycomb structure (HS) to 460 g.
This technology is implemented at Energiya Rocket and Space Corporation in production of Yamal-100 Space Vehicle, and at Yuzhnoye State Design Office in production of “Micro-satellite” panels.

Abstract document

IAC-08.C2.1.13.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.C2.1.13.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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