Mode Ⅰ–Governed fracture energy and maximum normal traction of a CFRP rod

This study develops a double cantilever beam test by using a specific fixture for measuring the representative critical energy release rate of rigid composite rods. Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite rod was used for the evaluation. Finite element analysis applying Cohesive Zone Model was used to estimate the relationship between load and displacement. In addition, for verifying the effect of specimen width on the measurement, the representative critical energy release rate was estimated and compared with reference to the crack length measured from the center or outer tip of the crack. The numerical results showed close value to that of experiment. This suggests that an effective representative critical energy release rate can be measured by the proposed method.