Alternative test method for interlaminar fracture toughness of composites

Two methods of determining the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness for fiber-reinforced polymer matrix (FRPM) composites using a double cantilever beam (DCB) test are compared. The standard method of determining GIC is based in linear-elastic fracture mechanics theory and requires a visual measurement of the crack length, presenting data acquisition and analysis difficulties. The proposed method makes use of elastic–plastic fracture mechanics...