Determination of mode I fracture toughness for Araldite 2015 epoxy adhesive by experiment and finite element method

In this study; Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) experiment and finite element method were used to find mod I fracture toughness value and strain energy release rate of Araldite 2015 epoxy adhesive. Load-displacement values and crack lengths were determined from DCB experiment. Modified beam theory and compliance calibration method have been used to calculate Mod I strain energy release rate by using load-displacement values and crack lengths. In addition, Mod I fracture toughness value of Araldite 2015 epoxy adhesive has been obtained by using Mod I strain energy release rate. Additionally Finite element method has been done with DCB experimental values. As a result of this study, experimental and finite element method calculated results are also compared with literature result.Keywords: Fracture Toughness, Epoxy Adhesive, Fracture mechanic