Mode 1 and Mode 2 Analysis of Graphite/Epoxy Composites Using Double Cantilever Beam and End-Notched Flexure Tests

The critical strain energy release rates associated with debonding of the adhesive bondlines in graphite/epoxy IM6/3501-6 interlaminar fracture specimens were investigated. Two panels were manufactured for this investigation; however, panel two was layed-up incorrectly. As a result, data collected from Panel Two serves no real purpose in this investigation. Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens were used to determine the opening Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness, G1(sub c), of uni-directional fiber re-inforced composites. The five specimens tested from Panel One had an average value of 946.42J/sq m for G1(sub c) with an acceptable coefficient of variation. The critical strain energy release rate, G2(sub c), for initiation of delamination under inplane shear loading was investigated using the End-Notched Flexure (ENF) Test. Four specimens were tested from Panel One and an average value of 584.98J/sq m for G2(sub c) was calculated. Calculations from the DCB and ENF test results for Panel One represent typical values of G1(sub c) and G2(sub c) for the adhesive debonding in the material studied in this investigation.