Over-leg Bending Test for Mixed-mode I/II Interlaminar Fracture in Composite Laminates

In this work the over-leg bending (OLB) specimen is developed for mixed-mode I/II delamination characterization in composites. The traditional single-leg bending (SLB) specimen is modified by introducing the load eccentrically between the two supports of a three-point bending setup. The modified configuration is analyzed by using linear beam theories. The theories of transverse shear, Winkler-Pasternak-type elastic foundation, Saint-Venant effect, and crack tip shear deformation are incorporated in the analysis. Also, experiments are carried out on glass/polyester unidirectional specimens. Comparison between the results of analysis and experiment shows very good agreement. The traditional SLB and the novel OLB coupons are compared, and their advantages and drawbacks are highlighted. The newly developed OLB setup is relatively easier to perform and crack propagation may be simply investigated under displacement control.