Non‐Linear Fracture Study of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites Using a Tapered Double Cantilever Beam Available to Purchase

Mode I static fracture behavior of polymer composites is studied using the tapered double cantilever beam test method. A non‐linear three‐dimensional finite element model is developed to analyze the test data. The fracture toughness is evaluated using a J‐integral approach. A non‐uniform distribution of the J‐integral value along the crack front is obtained with maximum at the mid‐plane of the specimen. It is shown that taking into account the damage induced non‐linear behavior improves the fracture toughness. This is explained with increased strain energy dissipation as a result of the non‐linear behavior.