Current Research

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis of Adhesively Bonded Structures


Principal Investigator:

Mohammed Omar

Graduate Student(s):

Kamesh Nara

Sponsor(s):

BMW Manufacturing

Brief Abstract:

This activity aims at conducting an FMEA study to analyze the different impacts and effects on the quality of adhesively bonded structures for automotive sub-assemblies. The study implements experimental and modeling efforts to capture the effect of each process (operational window) on the final quality of bonds. Additionally full analyses e.g. thermo-gravimetric, viscosity are done for the adhesive material to evaluate its sensitivity to environmental conditions (humidity) and curing profiles.     


Impact:

Better understanding of the effects of each process from the manufacturing chain on the final bond quality.

Reduction in quality issues and defects counts.


Project Schedule:

Initiated in 2007 and completed in 2008

Publications:

Nara, K.R., Omar, M.A. “Sensitivity analysis of non-load bearing 2K epoxy adhesive to hemming process variations, Thermo-Gravimetric, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and FTIR analyses” Journal of Progress in Organic Coatings, 65, 104-108, (2009)

Preliminary Results:

New processes control windows have been developed. 

Improved engineering standards with more specific testing procedures.

Root cause database for the different defectives encountered.   


Clemson University