The Influence of Crack Length and Delamination Width on the Mode-III Energy Release Rate of Laminated Composites

Abstract

In this article, the modified split-cantilever beam (MSCB) is applied to investigate the dependence of the mode-III energy release rate (at crack initiation) on the crack length and the specimen width. The main goal of this study is to apply the same specimen geometry to both double-cantilever beam and end-notched flexure systems. The energy release rate of the specimen was calculated by an improved beam theory scheme, which was used to reduce the experimental data. The obtained results are comparable to those obtained by mode-I and mode-II tests, and they indicate the important role of the MSCB specimen. The results show that the energy release rate decreases significantly with the initial crack length and there is no crack length where the energy release rate becomes independent of it.