Estimation of a mixed-mode cohesive law for an interface crack between dissimilar materials

In this paper, a mixed-mode cohesive law for an interface crack between epoxy and TR (transparent thermoplastic) resin is inversely estimated by the field projection method using numerical solutions and experimentally measured displacements. Displacements in a region far away from the crack tip are measured by digital image correlation technique. An inverse analysis, the field projection method formulated from the interaction J- and M-integrals with numerical auxiliary fields, is carried out to estimate a mixed-mode cohesive law for an interface crack between dissimilar materials. In the present approach, nonlinear deformations and damage near the crack tip are converted into the relationships of tractions and separations on crack surfaces behind the crack tip. The phase angle of mixed-mode singularities of the interface crack is also obtained from measured displacements in this study.