Analysis of the sandwich DCB specimen for debond characterization

Analysis of the compliance and energy release rate of the sandwich double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen is presented. It is assumed that there is a starter crack at the upper face/core interface and that the crack remains at or near this interface during crack propagation. Beam, elastic foundation, and finite element analyses are presented and compared to experimentally measured compliance data, and compliance calibrated energy release rate over a range of crack lengths for foam cored sandwich DCB specimens. It is found that the beam analysis provides a conservative estimate on the compliance and energy release rate. The elastic foundation model is in agreement with finite element analysis and experimental compliance data. Recommendations for specimen design and an expression for an upper limiting crack length are provided. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.