Delamination growth in Fibre Metal Laminates under variable amplitude loading

This paper presents the experimental and analytical investigation of the effect of variable amplitude (VA) load sequences on delamination behavior in Fibre Metal Laminates (FMLs). Delamination tests were performed and results are compared with linear damage accumulation predictions. Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) was used to analyse the delaminated surfaces to study the delamination growth rate under VA loading in more detail. The correlation between test results and predictions highlighted the absence of load sequence and interaction effects in delamination growth rate under VA loading. This correlation is supported by the SEM observations.