Modelling and simulation of adhesive curing processes in bonded piezo metal composites

This work deals with the modelling and simulation of curing phenomena in adhesively bonded piezo metal composites which consist of an adhesive layer with integrated piezoelectric module and two surrounding metal sheet layers. In a first step, a general modelling framework is proposed which is able to represent curing phenomena in polymers at finite strains. Based on this formulation, a concretized model is deduced for the simulation of curing in one specific epoxy based adhesive. Here, appropriate material functions are specified and the thermodynamic consistency is proved. Regarding the finite element implementation, a numerical integration scheme and a new approach for the consideration of different initial conditions are provided. Finally, finite element simulations of a newly proposed manufacturing process for the production of bonded piezo metal composite structures are conducted. A deep drawing process of the composite with uncured adhesive layer and the subsequent adhesive curing are investigated.