Mode II fracture of an MMA adhesive layer: Theory versus experiment

Thick adhesive layers have potential structural application in ship construction for the joining of a composite superstructure to steel hull. The purpose this study is develop mechanics model fracture such lap joints under shear loading. Modified Thick-Adherend-Shear-Test (TAST) specimens made from MMA-based and adherents are designed fabricated. Crack initiation growth these measured monitored by Digital Image Correlation (DIC). An attempt use cohesive zone predict magnitude strain across layer both at crack peak load, extent as function layer. ability several features specimen failure assessed case an high ductility.