Abstract
Mixed mode bending tests were performed to investi- gate the mixed mode interlaminar fracture of carbon/epoxy composite laminate in lieu of their potential in the auto- motive and allied industries. Various mixed mode ratios could be obtained from one type of specimen by chang- ing the location of the loading point. Pure mode I and II fracture toughness were obtained from DCB( double can- tilever beam) and ELS( end loaded split beam) tests respectively. New formulae for the strain energy release rate was proposed using the compliance concept and its validity was confirmed by comparing it with the finite ele- ment result.