This study experimentally analyses the phenomenon of delamination under static and fatigue loading in mode II using the standardized End-Notched Flexure (ENF) test. Adhesive joints made of two epoxy matrix laminates reinforced with unidirectional carbon fiber are studied, bonded with an epoxy adhesive, and subjected to environmental degradation in a saline environment for exposure periods of 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks.
By conducting initial static tests on the joints, we identified crucial values for the rate at which energy is released under mode II conditions. These values served as a benchmark to establish the approach for dynamic fatigue testing. Our objective was to generate characteristic curves that illustrate how these adhesive joints behave when fatigue delamination begins, while also assessing the impact of varying exposure periods on their performance. To enhance result interpretation, we employed a probabilistic model rooted in the Weibull distribution to analyse the experimental data.
The results show that adhesive joints experience a decrease in their delamination resistance when exposed to a saline environment.
Abstract
This study experimentally analyses the phenomenon of delamination under static and fatigue loading in mode II using the standardized End-Notched Flexure (ENF) test. Adhesive joints made of two epoxy matrix laminates [...]