Mixed mode delamination of asymmetric beam-like geometries with cohesive stresses

Abstract The partition of the energy release rate of beam-like geometries is analyzed here. Several methods for partitioning mode I and II energy release rates are presented and critically compared. A Timoshenko beam theory with Dugdale cohesive stress is applied and results show a mixed mode energy release rate dependence on the interface fracture toughness. A geometry is proposed that eliminates this dependence, offering a method to characterize the fracture properties of interfaces between dissimilar materials.