Constante, C.J.Campilho, RaulMoura, D.C.2016-01-132016-01-132015http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/7384The use of adhesive joints has increased in recent decades due to its competitive features compared with traditional methods. This work aims to estimate the tensile critical strain energy release rate (GIC) of adhesive joints by the Double-Cantilever Beam (DCB) test. The J-integral is used since it enables obtaining the tensile Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) law. An optical measuring method was developed for assessing the crack tip opening (δn) and adherends rotation (θo). The proposed CZM laws were best approximated by a triangular shape for the brittle adhesive and a trapezoidal shape for the two ductile adhesives.engAluminium alloysR-curvesJ-integralFracture toughnessDouble-Cantilever Beamjournal article10.1016/j.engfracmech.2015.02.010