On experimental methods to investigate the effect of layer thickness on the fracture behavior of adhesively bonded joints

A number of different experimental methods are used at two independent laboratories to evaluate the influence of layer thickness on the fracture properties of one batch of a crash resistant epoxy adhesive. Both mode I and II are considered. Novel, as well as state of the art methods are used. In mode I, the Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and two versions of the Tapered Double Cantilever Beam (TDCB) specimens are utilized; in mode II, two versions of the End Notch Flexure (ENF) and the End-Loaded Shear Joint (ELSJ) specimens are used. Good agreement between the test results is achieved for thin layers in both fracture modes. For thicker layers the variation is larger.