An enhanced beam-theory model of the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test—Part II: Applications and results
The paper presents an enhanced beam-theory (EBT) model of the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test, whereby the specimen is considered as an assemblage of two sublaminates partly connected by an elastic–brittle interface. Analytical expressions for the compliance, energy release rate, and mode mixity are deduced. A compliance calibration strategy enabling numerical or experimental evaluation of the interface elastic constants is also presented. Furthermore, analytical expressions for the crack length correction parameters—analogous to those given by the corrected beam-theory (CBT) model for unidirectional laminated specimens—are furnished for multidirectional laminated specimens, as well. Lastly, an example application to experimental data reduction is presented.