Fracture of notched samples in epoxy resin: Experiments and cohesive model. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodríguez, J.; Salazar, A.; Gómez, F.J.; Patel, Y.; Williams, J.G.
• Is Part Of: Engineering fracture mechanics. Volume 149(2015)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 411
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Epoxy -- Notched samples -- Cohesive model -- Fracture toughness; Fracture mechanics -- Periodicals; Rupture, Mécanique de la -- Périodiques; Fracture mechanics; Periodicals; 620.112605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2015.06.058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-7944

Abstract

Highlights: Epoxy samples with notch tip radii ranging from 0.15 μm to 2 mm were tested. Cohesive model and Theory of Critical Distances were used to predict failure loads. A cohesive strength of 270 MPa is needed to fit the experiments. Abstract: The prediction of failure loads in notched samples has been one of the most motivating fracture mechanics issues for a long time. Most efforts have been focused on the application of theoretical models with much less care in the experiments themselves. In this work the fracture of notched samples in epoxy resin is addressed from experimental and theoretical approaches. A set of fracture experiments has been carried out with a wide range of notch tip radii. Special care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the notch geometry. Experiments have been compared with numerical predictions using the cohesive zone model and local fracture criteria based on the Theory of Critical Distances.