Determination of cohesive laws by the J integral approach

The determination of cohesive laws for describing large scale failure process zones is discussed. Firstly, a general approach for determination of cohesive laws, by the measurement of the J integral and end-opening of the cohesive zone of double cantilever beam specimens loaded with pure bending moments, is described. Next, two case stories are reviewed: failure of adhesive joints and splitting of a unidirectional carbon fibre/epoxy composite....