From Mechanical Testing to Decision Making: Selecting a Structural Adhesive Using the Weighted Sum Method

Abstract

The selection of structural adhesives in engineering applications demands a robust, transparent, and replicable methodology, especially when performance and reliability are critical. This study introduces a practical, scalable approach based on the Weighted Sum Method (WSM), a form of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), to assist in the objective selection of adhesives. The novelty of this research lies in demonstrating that WSM can serve as an industrially applicable decision-making tool that translates mechanical testing data into clear, replicable selection criteria. Using experimental data from modified Arcan tests, the method provides a structured framework that can be extended to other types of tests and applications. This facilitates transparent, criterion-driven adhesive selection aligned with real-world constraints, offering engineers a powerful tool that supports consistent, informed, and reproducible decisions.