Fracture analysis of finite length angle-ply composite double cantilever beam specimens

The double cantilever beam specimen is assumed as two finite length beams, connected together, except at the initial delamination length. The energy release rate ( G I ) is evaluated analytically by considering a Timoshenko beam on Winkler and Pasternak elastic foundations. The current data reduction methods have a blind spot in calculating G I when crack approaches the end of the ligament, which is considered in this study and, therefore, the...