Investigation of change in strength of Double Cantilever Beam Adhesive Joints under Mode I failure by addition of Cork Particles

Abstract

Crack propagation in a double cantilever beam is evaluated by experiment on the Universal Testing Machine. The main assumption on which the experiment is based is that the beams deform as shear beams. Tensile testing is done on the double cantilever beam of stainless steel 210 with specific dimensions. Pre crack was initially developed at a fixed distance and in this problem, crack growth is studied using Araldite 2011 adhesive between the beams. Pre crack length is 70mm and overall length of the beam is 200mm. It is showed that this model calculates crack motion, which is qualitatively constant with the results of more detailed numerical analyses of the problem and with experimental results. Cork powder with the mesh size of 80 is mixed in the adhesive and DCB is studied at different cork ratios. Crack speed was constant from the point of initiation to the crack arrest. Cork powder is mixed in Araldite 2011 in the ratio of 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%. Variation in crack propagation is obtained with inclusion of cork powder and without the cork powder. No direct relation has been observed. Moreover Optical Microscope is used to check the type of failure exhibited whether failure was cohesive failure or adhesive. Comparison has been made between the different cork ratios. Results show that there is no specific behavior or variation with and without mixing of cork powder in the adhesive.