Nominally constant strain energy release rate specimen for the study of Mode II fracture and fatigue in adhesively bonded joints

This paper proposes a new specimen for the study of Mode II fracture and fatigue of adhesively bonded joints. The contour of that specimen allows a linear compliance change with crack propagation which results in a constant energy release rate ( G II) under linear elastic fracture mechanics conditions. The constant energy release rate is generally known to favour a better control over the initiation stage, a smooth ‘no jerks’ crack propagation and a more accurate correlation between G II and the rate of propagation.