In this paper, the strain energy release rate of first mode of failure in the adhesive bonding of two composite plates composed of unidirectional glass fiber is calculated using double cantilever beam specimen. Araldite 2011 adhesive connection which is widely used in the aerospace industry has been employed. Strain energy release rate is calculated by the modified beam method, compliance calibration method and modified compliance calibration method from experimental results. For modeling crack growth in adhesive bonding of two composite plates, the Extended Finite Element Method has been employed. Average value of critical strain energy release rate calculated by the modified compliance calibration method is considered as software input. After comparing force - displacement curve obtained from experimental data and numerical solution that represents good precision of the Extended Finite Element Method in calculating the maximum force and corresponding displacement and also linear part of force-displacement curve, strain energy release rate - force curve, stress intensity factor – force curve, strain energy release rate – displacement of the load effective point and failure stress - stress intensity factor curve are evaluated.

Keywords: Composites, Adhesive Joint, Extended finite element method, Crack growth, Strain Energy Release Rate

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