Experimental Testing and Analytical Modeling of Asymmetric End-Notched Flexure Tests on Glass-Fiber Metal Laminates

Abstract

An experimental campaign on glass-fiber/aluminum laminated specimens was conducted to assess the interlaminar fracture toughness of the metal/composite interface. Asymmetric end-notched flexure tests were conducted on specimens with different fiber orientation angles. The tests were also modeled by using two different analytical solutions: a rigid interface model and an elastic interface model. Experimental results and theoretical predictions for the specimen compliance and energy release rate are compared and discussed.