Loading rate dependency of Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness for unidirectional composite laminates

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the loading rate on the Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of unidirectional carbon/epoxy laminates. Double cantilever beam (DCB) test geometry was employed for both quasi-static and dynamic fracture tests. A novel dual electromagnetic Hopkinson bar was employed to load the DCB specimens dynamically and symmetrically with velocities in the range of 10–30 m/s. A hybrid...