An analytical solution was developed to study mode I delamination in a laminated
composite double cantilever beam (DCB) based on an augmented beam model
considering lateral shear. Using the measured DCB compliance, the proposed
analytical solution was employed to determine the initial delamination length and its
propagation profile. Also, a finite element (FE) correction method was presented to
establish a correlation between the delamination length and the DCB opening
compliance. Similar delamination lengths were obtained from the analytical and the
numerical methods. Consequently, the problematic delamination lengths generated
from in-situ optical measurement were corrected using the two methods.
The fracture resistance curves of the DCB specimen were also updated.
Accordingly, the subsequent DCB FE modelling analyses, integrated with
cohesive zone modelling or virtual crack closure technique, were able to
generate practical predictions. The study shows that the developed analytical
solution could also improve the DCB test efficiency without in-situ optical
measurements.