FRACTURE MODE-MIXITY IN SYMETRICAL BEAM SPECIMENS: FPZ LENGTH INFLUENCE
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mixed-mode fracture in delamination test utilizing double cantilever specimens loaded with bending moments is investigated in the paper. FEM simulations are performed using cohesive zone model where different configurations of test loadings and two critical fracture energy values, ie. two fracture process zone lengths, are considered. Fracture energy partitioning is performed and fracture mode-mixity is determined using simulation results, i.e. mode I and mode II fracture parts in total fracture energy are calculated. The fracture mode-mixities numerically determined for different configurations are compared with results obtained using two analytical fracture energy partitioning theories, according to Williams and to Hutchinson and Suo. An excellent agreement between numerical and the analytical results is observed.</p>