Analysis and Testing of Mixed-Mode Interlaminar Fracture Behavior of Glass-Cloth∕Epoxy Laminates at Cryogenic Temperatures

This paper presents results from an analytical and experimental study of the effect of temperature and mixed-mode ratio on the interlaminar fracture toughness in glass-cloth∕epoxy laminates. Mode I, mode II, and mixed-mode tests were conducted by the double-cantilever beam, end-notched flexure, and mixed-mode bending test methods at room temperature, liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K), and liquid helium temperature (4 K). A finite element model was used to perform the delamination crack analysis. Mode I, mode II, and mixed-mode energy release rates at the onset of delamination crack propagation were computed using the virtual crack closure technique. The fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy to correlate with the interlaminar fracture properties.