Two-parameter model for delamination growth under mode I fatigue loading (Part A: Experimental study)

Mode I delamination growth under fatigue loading has been experimentally investigated in carbon/epoxy laminates. The experimental results are used in Part B of this paper for the development of a two-parameter mechanistic model for delamination growth. Fatigue tests are performed using double cantilever beam and width tapered double cantilever beam specimens. Delamination growth has been characterized using strain energy release rate approach. Fracture surfaces have been investigated for the effect of stress ratio and monotonic and cyclic load using scanning electron microscopy. The results show that microscopic features depend on monotonic and cyclic load.