Abstract

The fundamentals of new analytical models based on energy and coenergy of deformation are explained to analytically address asymmetric interlaminar fracture tests. After reviewing some concepts of laminated beam theory, the energy release rate as a function of coenergy is determined from a global point of view, including in an unprecedented way the contribution of hygrothermal stresses. On the other hand, after the determination of the J integral in the cohesive zone, the conditions required for the asymmetric fracture tests to occur in pure mode in linear elastic fracture are explained, based on the forces and displacements of the crack tip. Furthermore, knowing these forces and displacements, it is possible to determine the energy release rate that corresponds to each fracture mode.