Abstract
The emergence of BETAMATETM Crash Durable Epoxy (CDA) structural adhesives is causing automotive engineers to re-examine long held traditions regarding the joining of metal components to make up the full car body. Continuing developments in this field have resulted in adhesives with improved characteristics on the vehicle production line, without sacrificing any of their other desirable mechanical properties. After giving some background information to design engineers on the different adhesive types, these newer adhesive developments are presented together with some of their quantifying characteristics that are of importance to vehicle production planners as well as to design engineers. In conclusion, some finite element simulation results from tests performed during the internal adhesive development program are shown, which highlight the importance of choosing the
correct adhesive type.
Keywords - Crash Durable Adhesives, Simulation, Vehicle Production Advantages, New Design Possibilities, Improved Functionality.