Abstract
The work factor approach, so-called single specimen technique could be used to determine energy release rate from a single test record for unidirectional CLS specimen. In the present study, the work factor approach was extended to determine the mixed-mode fracture toughness of multi-directional graphite/epoxy laminated composites. Multi-directional CLS specimens were used for fracture tests. The stacking sequences used for the lap and the strap were $[90_2/0_2]_s/[0_4/90_4]_s$ and $[0/\pm45/0]_s/[0_2/\pm45_2/0_2]_2$, respectively. For both cases, the fracture toughness determined from the work factor approach was compared with that determined from the compliance method. It was found that both methods produced fracture toughness within a maximum 15% difference for each stacking sequence. The fractography analysis also showed that the fiber bridging occurred for$[0/\pm45/0]_s/[0_2/\pm45_2/0_2]_2$ case while it did not occur for $[90_2/0_2]_s/[0_4/90_4]_s$ case.