A bending specimen for constant energy release rate under controlled displacement conditions

A bending specimen that gives a constant energy release rate (independent on the crack length) under controlled displacement conditions is developed. It is assumed that engineering beam theory is applicable, i.e. that among other things, small deformations and linear elastic isotropic material can be assumed.A specific geometry is analyzed numerically by use of the finite element method and experimentally by manufacturing a specimen with the actual geometry in PMMA (polymethylmetacrylate) and then determining the specimen stiffness for different crack lengths.It is found that the geometry considered gives a constant energy release rate under controlled displacement conditions.