Literature Review of the Behaviour of Adhesive Joint Fatigue Performance

Adhesive joints are essential in modern engineering, offering lightweight, durable and efficient solutions for bonding in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy. However, their fatigue performance under cyclic loading remains a critical challenge, shaped by a complex interplay of geometrical, material, environmental, and loading factors. This review explores the mechanisms of fatigue failure, highlighting the importance of joint design, material optimization, and surface preparation in mitigating stress concentrations and enhancing durability. Advances in toughened adhesives, surface treatments, and environmental protection methods are highlighted, along with predictive models ranging from empirical S-N curves to advanced finite element simulations and probabilistic approaches. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in integrating these techniques for real-world applications, particularly under variable loading and harsh environmental conditions. Future research must focus on hybrid methodologies, adaptive materials, and standardized protocols to bridge the gap between laboratory insights and practical implementations. This comprehensive review provides a foundation for improving the fatigue performance of adhesive joints, ensuring their reliability and effectiveness in critical engineering systems.