Mode decoupling in interlaminar fracture toughness tests on bimaterial specimens

The present work has a two-fold objective: (i) to critically review the methods for fracture mode decoupling in unconventional laboratory specimens, such as the asymmetric double cantilever beam (ADCB) specimen; and (ii) to propose mode decoupling conditions and associated specimen design formulae to obtain pure fracture modes when bimaterial specimens are tested in ADCB and asymmetric end-notched flexure (AENF) configurations. In the first part of the paper, the literature on fracture mode decoupling is reviewed to shed light on some controversial points. We start with discussing various pure-mode conditions suggested by different authors and continue with the simplest case of the bimaterial joint. Our review also considers complex cases, such as the presence of bending–extension coupling or residual (hygrothermal) stresses. In the second part of the paper, bimaterial specimens loaded in ADCB and AENF test configurations are investigated. Employing energetically orthogonal mode decomposition, Engesser–Castigliano’s theorem, and the laminated beam theory, we illustrate specimen design criteria enabling to obtain pure fracture modes. The obtained specimen design formulae are validated through finite element analyses.