Adhesively bonded T-joints in polyvinyl chloride windows

• Published in: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part L, Journal of materials, design and applications Vol. 222; no. 3; pp. 159 - 174
• Main Authors: Chaves, F J P., da Silva, L F M., de Castro, P M S T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.07.2008; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adhesive bonding; Aging; Automation; Bond strength; Cost analysis; Crack initiation; Ductility; Experiments; Finite element analysis; Geometry; Humidity; Joint strength; Mechanical properties; Polyvinyl chloride; Shear strength; Stress concentration; Windows & doors; modified methacrylate; polyvinyl chloride; finite element analysis; cost analysis; window frame; T-joint
• ISSN: 1464-4207; 2041-3076
• DOI: 10.1243/14644207JMDA182

The main objective of this study was to assess the applicability of adhesives to connect a transom to a polyvinyl chloride window frame. A modified methacrylate adhesive was selected and tested for its mechanical properties, environmental ageing, and glass transition temperature. Adhesively bonded T-joints were manufactured and tested, and compared with the conventional screw-fastened T-joints in terms of joint strength. The initial geometry of the adhesively bonded T-joints was optimized with a finite element analysis (FEA). Finally, the various manufacturing processes (welding, screw fastening, and adhesive, bonding) were compared in economical terms, which is a critical parameter for the industry. The joint strength results show that adhesively bonded joints perform as well or better than the conventional screw-fastened joints. The FEA indicates that further improvements are possible with little changes in the geometry. The adhesive bonding process is also attractive in economical terms.