STRUCTURAL SILICONE SIKASIL® SG-500: EXPERIMENTAL RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MATERIAL

Abstract

The mechanical behaviour of adhesively bonded point-fixings, in the scope of glazing systems, are usually investigated by non-linear finite element analysis (FEA). The accuracy of the finite element model depends on the availability of suitable experimental data, used to calibrate the material models that describe the appropriate behaviour of the adhesive material. This paper presents and discusses the outputs of an experimental campaign focused on characterizing the mechanical properties on bulk material of the structural adhesive Sikasil^® SG-500, a bi-component structural silicone. The results of the experimental campaign are used to calibrate material models for finite element analysis. The best-performing hyperplastic material models for the state of stresses analysed in this paper, are selected and presented, intended to be used by designers and engineers.