– Two different methods to obtain crack propagation curves are considered in this work. In an analytical approach, the adhesion between the plates is considered perfect. In such case, the interface stiffness is not taken into account and the classic beam theory is used to study the behavior of the plates during the delamination. The second approach is numerical and the bonded interface is now considered elastic. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
– The propagation curves are obtained with the aid of the finite element code CAST3M by taking the structural response for a given value of initial crack length at a time.
– A good fit is achieved when analytical and numerical curves are compared. Finally, mechanical tests results are presented to validate the numerical method and to identify the critical energy release rate (Gc).
– More than an easier method to obtain propagation curves, the numerical method presented in this paper is an important tool to selection of optimized test geometries.
