Abstract
The elastic work factor ηel concept was applied to composite structures for the calculation of total energy release rate by using a single specimen. Cracked lap shear specimens with four different unidirectional fiber orientation were used to examine the dependence of nel on the material properties. Also, three different thickness ratios (lap/strap) were used to determine how geometric conditions affect ηel . The ηel values were calculated in two different ways: compliance method and crack closure method. The results show that the two methods produce comparable ηel values and while ηel is affected significantly by geometric conditions, it is reasonably independent of material properties for the given geometry. The results also showed that the elastic work factor can be used to calculate total energy release rate using a single specimen.
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