A Comparison Between Measurements and Finite Element Predictions of Crack Opening Displacements Near the Front of an Interface Crack

Abstract Crack opening displacements close to the front of an interface crack between glass and epoxy determined from measurements and finite-element solutions are compared. The measurements were made using optical interferometry, and the finite-element solutions were based on a linear material response and the displacements that were applied during crack initiation experiments using a blister test configuration. Various load levels, up to initiation, are considered, and the effect of fracture mode-mix examined by considering different initial crack diameters. The comparisons indicate that a relative increase in the mode II component gave rise to a significant increase in inelastic behavior near the crack front.