Assessment of split-beam-type tests for mode III delamination toughness determination

Four split-beam-type tests are proposed for determining the mode III delamination toughness of laminated composite materials. Each test is first assessed via three dimensional finite element analysis. Experimental evaluations are then conducted, for which two different unidirectional carbon/epoxy materials are considered. For either material, it is shown that the same mode III toughness is obtained by the four different tests, provided that...