Mode III interlaminar fracture of carbon/epoxy laminates using the edge crack torsion (ECT) test

• Autor(a) principal: Morais, A. B. de
• Data de Publicação: 2009
• Outros Autores: Pereira, A. B., Moura, M. F. S. F. de, Magalhães, A. G.
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/4542
• topic: Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); Fracture toughness; Delamination; Finite element analysis (FEA); Mode III

The mode III interlaminar fracture of carbon/epoxy laminates was evaluated with the edge crack torsion (ECT) test. Three-dimensional finite element analyses were performed in order to select two specimen geometries and an experimental data reduction scheme. Test results showed considerable non-linearity before the maximum load point and a significant R-curve effect. These features prevented an accurate definition of the initiation point. Nevertheless, analyses of non-linearity zones showed two likely initiation points corresponding to GIIIc values between 850 and 1100 J/m2 for both specimen geometries. Although any of these values is realistic, the range is too broad, thus showing the limitations of the ECT test and the need for further research.