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In real applications, adhesive joints are commonly subjected to fatigue and mixed mode loading conditions. The aim of the current work is to experimentally analyse the influence of mode mixity on the fatigue strength of joints with an epoxy‐based adhesive. Different adhesive systems (acrylic and epoxies) were considered for pure mode I fatigue loading conditions. To achieve this, Arcan joints with an epoxy adhesive were manufactured and tested at different mode mixities. Based on stiffness degradation, monitored during the tests, damage evolution was calculated for different loading conditions and for all the tested adhesives. Finally, fatigue envelopes were constructed for different fatigue life regimes. Results show that a shear loading component reduces both the static strength and fatigue life of the joints. A small reduction rate of the stiffness was found throughout the most part of the life until a sudden drop was observed, indicating a smooth damage evolution.

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The strength and the performance of adhesive joints can be significantly influenced by the ageing procedure. However, the role of aging in the failure mechanism of adhesive joints as a function of loading conditions has not been studied yet. The current research aims to investigate the effect of mode mixity on the failure mechanism of aged adhesive joints using Arcan samples. Based on the results loading the tested joints in shear led to a higher percentage of interfacial failure than in tensile. However, it was also found that the shear loading mode is less sensitive (compared to tensile loading) to the ageing conditions.

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