AngusMcDoon
Well-Known Member
Which is why I said I'd like to see a comparison of bonding / glued surfaces - especially considering age and work fatigue - compared to stainless steel bolts in shear load...
There's no comparison for strength and reliability, but bonding is lighter and possibly cheaper / easier.
There will be no formal study of comparison between the two techniques. You know that. But here's some anecdotal evidence - my boat's hull/deck joint is entirely bonded with outboard flanges. It's lightly built too. Current log reading... 46,281 miles. No leaks. No fatigue failures. Do you have statistical evidence, by the way, that a bonded joint is weaker & less reliable, seeing that you've already said that you've not seen a comparative study?
A Sail magazine article on joint techniques says that it isn't cheaper or easier to do if done properly. Are they wrong, or is it another case of if it isn't done like that on your boat then it's just rubbish? If bonded joints are prone to fatigue failures why are they acceptable in aviation? Apparently even the love of your life, Harriers, have them. I expect they were designed by qualified engineers though, you know, graduates, chartered, that sort of thing.
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