Property Optimisation in Fibre Metal Laminates

Fibre Metal Laminates (FMLs) are hybrid materials, which consist of thin metal sheets bonded together with alternating unidirectional fibre layers. This material concept has resulted in superior fatigue characteristics with respect to the metallic counterpart. Several static characteristics (specifically tension, shear, bearing, blunt and sharp notch behaviour) are however negatively influenced due to the fibre addition. This paper investigates the influence of constituent properties on these characteristics to define possible improvements. The available analytical models are reviewed and if necessary the specific failure mechanisms are described. Using these models and available test data, trend lines are obtained, which indicate the effects of the principal parameters and quantify potential improvements.