Analytical solutions for non-uniformity of energy release rate of orthotropic double cantilever beam specimens with an adhesive layer

An improved plate model is proposed for the orthotropic double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens with an adhesive layer. The upper adherend of the DCB specimens was converted to a rectangular plate supported by a row of vertical springs and rotational springs at one end and subjected to a vertical uniform traction at the other end. The transverse deflection distributions of the present model along the width are determined using the Rayleigh-Ritz...