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Wedge tests are usually analysed assuming that the free, unbonded members may be treated as encastré cantilever beams. However, if the adhesive layer is sufficiently flexible (e.g., due to low elastic modulus), then significant strain in the bonded region may occur and lead to modification of the behaviour outside this region. Using in conjunction a sensitive strain gauge method on asymmetric wedge tests and a mathematical analysis developed from the work of Winkler, we conclude that the standard, simple beam theory approach significantly overestimates crack length for a supple adhesive layer. The present contribution mainly considers strain effects in the intact, bonded zone, rather than fracture per se. However, it is concluded that, if in fracture tests, the incorrect values of crack length obtained from the encastré beam assumption are employed to calculate fracture energy using the simpler model, there will be some self-compensation and little error in estimates of the latter will result (at least in the cases presently studied).

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Slow crack propagation in adhesive bonded joints has been characterised using an asymmetric wedge test. Crack position was evaluated from strain gauge measurements, both in the debonded part of the joint and in the bonded zone. Test temperature was changed during loading, giving insight into bond evolution. The technique allows accurate, and virtually continuous, determination of crack position to be made, and therefore the evaluation of crack speed versus fracture energy curves, as well as elastic properties of the adhesive layer. This technique also enables the monitoring of crack propagation in controlled environmental conditions to be performed, without interruption of exposure for measurements. By using a Winkler elastic foundation model to analyse results, the method seems to be the first to describe a process zone, or region where the adhesive is significantly strained under load, and a finite length specimen effect, manifested by crack front acceleration during the final stage of the test. The method was found to offer great potential to study in situ fracture and bulk adhesive properties.

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