1. Scope

Keywords

Rationale

Existing interlaminar fracture toughness test methods rely on linear elastic fracture mechanics principles which may not apply to fracture of high-fracture toughness structural adhesive materials used in bonded composite structure. A new test method to characterize interfacial fracture of these adhesives would provide helpful engineering information, including design allowables and input data for progressive damage analysis tools. Potential users include manufacturers of bonded composite structure, academic institutions, government agencies, and other researchers in the field of composite materials.