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NR613 Design Tutorial

Interactive guideline walkthrough for bonded joint design under NR613 rules

Interactive tutorial: bonded joint design according to NR613

Standalone · client-side · English

Objective

This tutorial guides a step-by-step design of a structural bonded joint in accordance with NR613 (Bonded Assemblies). It includes scope definition, selection of justification method (A/B/C), safety factor checks, test requirements, manufacturing control (MTI Bonding Plan), and surface preparation.

The guidance excerpts follow the provided NR613. Use this tutorial as an interactive checklist; final decisions and submissions must comply with the applicable Classification Society requirements.

Fluxo resumido (Passo a passo)

  • 1. Define scope & safety class (SC)

    Describe function, onboard location, loads, and environmental conditions. (NR613 - methodology and specification).

  • 2. Determine maturity & qualification level Q

    Choose Q1–Q5 based on design maturity and safety. (NR613 - requirements table).

  • 3. Prepare Bonding Specification & Design File

    Drawings, planned adhesive thickness(es), processes, surface preparation, and acceptance criteria.

  • 4. Select justification method

    Method A (tests), B (analysis), C (analysis + tests). Each has specific requirements and factors.

  • 5. Plan testing and MTI Bonding Plan

    Assemble manufacturing plan, tests (characterization/aging/fatigue per Q), and traceability.

  • 6. Production, NDT inspection and validation

    Perform environmental controls, final checks, NDT, and document for submission.

Fonte: NR613 - Sec 2 e Sec 5.

Joint design — practical recommendations

NR613 key design considerations:

Favor in-plane shear loading
Avoid local peel / mode I (use smooth transitions)
Define adhesive thickness range and tolerances
Consider thermal expansion coefficient
Brittle joints → prefer validation by tests (Method C / A).

Surface preparation (summary)

  1. Cleaning and degreasing;
  2. Substrate-appropriate abrasion (sand, grit, bristle, etc.);
  3. Final cleaning; apply primer if recommended by the manufacturer;
  4. Record batch numbers of materials used and adhesion test results.

Verification methods cited in NR613: wettability measurement (NF EN 828), wetting tension (ASTM D2578), and pull-off testing.

Testing and characterization

Typical test selection (per Q and method):

Adhesive characterization: Tg, modulus, tensile/shear strength (ISO/ASTM listed)
Joint tests: SLJ, TAST, ENF, DCB, peel, per objective
Aging and fatigue (Q4/Q5 or as required)
Representative medium/large scale tests for Method A/C

MTI Bonding Plan — key points

The MTI Bonding Plan should cover adhesive purchase and storage through application, cure, NDT and traceability (batches, temperature, humidity, time between operations).

  • List of materials and tools;
  • Storage control and shelf life;
  • Mixing/dosing procedures and pot-life;
  • Environmental controls during application;
  • Acceptance criteria and record sheet.

Export / copy checklist

You can copy the checklist below:

References (NR613 excerpts used)

  • Methodology and evaluation stages: NR613 Sec 2.
  • MTI Bonding Plan — content and requirements: NR613 Sec 5 and Appendix 6.
  • Surface preparation — cleaning, abrasion, wettability tests: NR613 Sec 5 (4.3.2) and App 7.
  • Justification methods: Method A, B, C and requirements (2.2–2.4).
  • Safety factors and formula (SF ≥ α·Ct·Cv·CF·Cθ·Cb): NR613 Sec 3.
  • Testing and characterization (Tg, moduli, DCB/ENF/TAST/SLJ...): NR613 Sec 3 and App 4.

Use these references when submitting documentation to the Classification Society.

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