A new approach for evaluating crack growth resistance curve of mode II delamination by doubly end-notched tension tests

Abstract

Quantitative determination of interlaminar fracture toughness that governs onset and growth of delamination is essential for engineering of composite materials and structures. This study proposes a new approach to evaluate both the initial fracture toughness and the crack growth resistance property of pure mode II delamination by tensile tests of specimens having two initial cracks, which were conceived from double-lap joints. The proposed test method achieves stable growth of mode II delamination using a fundamental testing system. This study presents the specimen configuration, the theory to evaluate the energy release rate, and experiment results. The mode II initial fracture toughness measured by the present approach agreed well with the results of conventional end-notched flexure tests. Furthermore, the crack growth resistance curves were evaluated by unloading-reloading tests of the proposed doubly end-notched tension specimens.

Keywords:

• polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
• delamination
• fracture toughness
• mechanical testing