Mode I Fracture Load Predictions of Adhesive T-joints

Abstract This paper presents fracture data and a finite element analysis for adhesive T-joints, It is shown that fracture loads of T-joints, bonded with two different structural epoxies and subjected to either tensile loading or three-point bending, can be predicted using a fracture mechanics approach. Fracture loads were predicted by calculating the applied energy release rate, G, using finite element methods, and comparing that with a critical value, Gc , determined experimentally using double-cantilever-beam specimens. By recording the failure sequence of the bondline with a video camera attached to a microscope, it was seen that subcritical crack propagation took place prior to final fracture of the bondline. Accounting for the observed subcritical crack propagation in the finite element analysis gave a good agreement between the actual and the calculated fracture loads.