Experimental characterisation of the lifetime of thick adhesive bonds for composite-steel components used in marine applications.

Aiming at lighter marine vehicles, shipbuilders introduce composite materials for construction of the ship superstructure. To join this structure to the ship hull, the use of adhesive bonds is explored. Such bonds have to withstand dynamic loads and an aggressive seawater environment for many years. Accelerated test methodologies are developed to determine the lifetime of these innovative joints.