Using the Finite Element Analysis Method to Study the 3-point Bending Test for the Characterization of the Adherence

An elastic finite element analysis was conducted to evaluate the stress distribution in the initiation zone of the adhesive rupture during the 3-point bending test. This test is used to measure the adherence between a polyepoxy adhesive and aluminum alloy with different surface treatments. The purpose is to compare, in the high stress concentration areas, the stress fields calculated using finite element method with the experimental data obtained in different configurations. Focusing on the load level at crack initiation, on the localization and the size of adhesive failure initiation, a local criterion for adhesive fracture is proposed based on the value of the stress normal to the interface.