Mechanical hinge system for delamination tests in beam-type composite specimens

During the experimental study of composite delaminations external loads are usually applied by means of steel or aluminium parts bonded to the surface of beam-type specimens. The bonded joints between the metallic parts and the composite specimen might fail, especially when the tests are carried out under extreme temperatures or fatigue conditions. In addition, the point of application of the external load does not coincide with the neutral axis...