The ENF Test: Critical Analysis and Computational Modelling

We have developed an experimental and computational strategy to moderate the experimental scatter of the interlaminar fracture toughness values (G IIc ) in the End Notched Flexure (ENF) test. Previously, we introduced a modified ENF test which produces more data per specimen, while allowing for sample variation, and hence reducing the scatter. The refined data are used in the comparison of two computational models (structural and finite element) to compute G IIc . For a brittle, transversely isotropic material, 32 ply unidirectional laminate of variable thickness, we compared the deflections and G IIc values of these two models, and these models are found to agree well with each other.