Abstract

The evaluation of the quality of composite-composite bonded joints is a major problem for the aeronautical sector given by the fact that a defective joint not only could paralyze the productive process, but it could also involve very high restoration costs. Currently, the quality of the bond is quantified by an interlaminar fracture toughness test. This test measures GIC in a test piece that is bonded theoretically under the same conditions as the actual piece. The measurement of GIC is performed by the DCB test or by the Drum Peel test. Both tests cannot be carried out on the actual part or "in situ". The present article shows a device that carries out the peeling test on the real part allowing to obtain results comparable to those that could be obtained with the traditional procedures of DCB and Drum Peel. In order to verify the validity of the new device that has been designed, an experimental campaign has been carried out to test non-symmetrical composite-composite laminates with different techniques, by comparing the different GIC values obtained. A numerical study carried out in another paper confirms that the evaluation of GIC obtained with the experimental results is adequate.