The distinctiveness of measuring interlaminar fracture toughness by the mode I method

Practical problems in measuring the interlaminar fracture toughness by the mode I method were pointed out in this paper. Unidirectional carbon fibre/epoxy resin composite was used in the experiments (as the test material). The composite was obtained by curing commercial Hexcel ply 6376 in a mould. The techniques of initial crack formation, solving problems of applying the correct stress on the specimen and the precise registering of crack growth were proposed. The reliability of suggested method was assessed by evaluating the dispersion of the results obtained, as well as by comparison with the literature data.5th Young Researchers Seminar, Dec 25-26, 2006, Belgrade, Serbi