Interlaminar fracture characterization : effect of woven fabric geometry

Abstract

Interlaminar critical strain energy release rate properties have been evaluated for two types of plain weave fabric E-glass/epoxy laminates. The double cantilever beam test and the end notch flexure test have been used for mode I and mode 11 loading. The mixed mode bending test and split cantilever beam test have been used for mixed mode I/II and mode III loading. It is observed that, for the plain weave fabric with lesser strand width has higher interlaminar fracture properties compared to the plain weave fabric with more strand width.