Mixed Mode I/II fracture toughness of bonded joints

Mixed Mode I/II fracture experiments are conducted to determine the fracture toughness of a commercial elastomer methacrilate adhesive (Loctite Multibond 330) bonded joints. A compact tension-shear specimen geometry is adopted and the stress intensity factor (SIF) calibration is obtained by the finite element method using a correction factor approach to account for the presence of the adhesive layer. The Mixed Mode fracture toughness envelope determined at room temperature is compared with the predictions of fracture criteria from the literature. Fracture surfaces obtained at different mixity ratios are finally discussed.