ABSTRACT The adhesive fracture resistance of structural adhesive joints in mode II, ��IIC, is accessed through the application of two models that prescind of the measurement of the crack length during the subjection of ENF specimens to three-point bending monotonic tests. The load vs transversal displacement results are used in two different approaches: a damage model and a cohesive zone model. The first one was used in test where the crack propagation was unstable and the second one was used for stable crack propagations. These initial results show the viability of the models and show that both: initial crack length and transversal load rate; have great influence in ��IIC evaluation.

Mainly due to their low weight, low cost and ease of assembly, the adhesive bonds have emerged as a promising technology. However, the lack of adequate tools of design and control remain an obstacle to the use of the adhesives. In this work a cohesive interface model formulated within the framework of damage mechanics is applied for the simulation of decohesion during crack propagation tests. Considering the mechanical tests of aluminium/epoxy specimens, comparisons between experimental and numerical results are presented.