An Inverse Analysis of Interfacial Parameter Values for Mode I Debonding Between Steel and Hot-Melt Adhesive

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Polyethylene pipes reinforced with winding steel wires (PSP) are advanced composite materials.
• Interfacial debonding between steel wires and hot-melt adhesive is a key failure mode in PSP joints.
• Quantitative characterization of interface performance is crucial for understanding and preventing failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interfacial properties between steel and hot-melt adhesive.
• To develop a reliable method for characterizing interface performance in PSP joints.
• To analyze interfacial properties and failure processes using experimental and computational approaches.

Main Methods:

• Double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were employed to assess interfacial properties.
• A finite element model with cohesive elements was established to simulate interfacial behavior.
• An ABAQUS-Python-MATLAB interactive program was developed for inverse optimization of interface parameters.

Main Results:

• The interactive program successfully determined interface strength and fracture energy by matching simulated and experimental load-displacement curves.
• The developed finite element model accurately predicted crack tip propagation patterns.
• Simulated results demonstrated strong agreement with experimental data, validating the DCB model and inverse calculation method.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully established an effective method for quantitatively characterizing the steel-hot-melt adhesive interface.
• The validated DCB finite element model and inverse optimization technique provide a reliable approach for analyzing composite material interfaces.
• This methodology offers valuable guidance for mechanical behavior analysis of bonding interfaces in various materials and structures.