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The paper describes problems and suggested solutions in use of adhesive bonding for joining aluminum structures. Different ways to model and analyse a bonded joint are presented along with discussion on various advantages and drawbacks. As an example, the modelling and experimental results of a design exercise on a vehicle front cross-member are presented. The use of detailed joint modelling in determining the influence of local joint geometry on both adhesive and metal stresses is also demonstrated.

As part of the development of Aluminum Structured Vehicle Technology (ASVT), significant advances have been made in the design of impact energy absorbing members for automobiles. This paper compares the performance of aluminum and steel impact members, and discusses the influence of the material properties of aluminum on subsequent impact member performance. Methods for designing aluminum impact members for stability, collapse initiation and subsequent collapse performance are presented. This includes both analytical and finite element modelling.