Comparison of calculations of energy release rates for DCB multi-directional laminate specimens

The double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen has been used extensively to measure the mode I fracture toughness of laminate composites. There are standards which were developed for testing unidirectional (UD) material. In addition, this specimen has been used extensively for multi-directional laminates. Typically, fracture resistance curves are presented. To this end, calculation of the energy release rate is required. For UD specimens, there are...