Modelling the R-curve effect and its specimen-dependence

This paper explores the specimen-dependence of the resistance (R-) curve for fracture of materials showing a pronounced R-curve effect. Using a cohesive zone framework, this paper demonstrates how to effectively predict the R-curve for a specimen type whose deformation is shear-dominated (compact tension, CT) from the R-curve of a specimen type whose deformation is bending-dominated (double cantilever beam, DCB). The mathematical relationships...