An enhanced beam-theory model of the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test – Part I: literature review and mechanical model

The paper presents a mechanical model of the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test used to assess the mixed-mode interlaminar fracture toughness of composite laminates. The laminated specimen is considered as an assemblage of two sublaminates partly connected by an elastic–brittle interface. The problem is formulated through a set of 36 differential equations, accompanied by suitable boundary conditions. Solution of the problem is achieved by separately considering the two subproblems related to the symmetric and antisymmetric parts of the loads, which for symmetric specimens correspond to fracture modes I and II, respectively. Explicit expressions are determined for the interfacial stresses, internal forces, and displacements.