Flax fibre metal laminates (FLARE): A bio-based FML alternative combining impact resistance and vibration damping?

Fibre metal laminates (FML) were originally developed as a hybrid material, to create synergy between the impact resistance of metals and excellent fatigue and corrosion resistance of fibre reinforced polymers, and to overcome the shortcomings of monolithic materials. Yet, the scope of the FML concept is predominantly limited to GLAss REinforced...

Fatigue in fibre metal laminates: The interplay between fatigue in metals and fatigue in composites

With the introduction of fibre metal laminates (FMLs) as a (fatigue) damage tolerant material concept in aeronautics, an interesting field emerged where fatigue damage interaction plays a dominant role. The hybrid concept effectively demands evaluating fatigue damage growth based on fracture phenomena typical for both metals and fibre...

On the physics of applying finite width and geometry correction factors in fatigue crack growth predictions of GLARE

In general, a finite width correction to stress intensity factor (SIF) is required in the fatigue crack growth. The finite width correction factor can be explained physically from the energy point of view. It is assumed that the finite width correction factor primarily constitutes an energy correction factor, i.e. it corrects the applied load...

The Challenge of Reversing Theories to Hybridize Structures with Fiber Metal Laminate Design Concepts

To further optimize aeronautical structures, an increased level of material hybridization is required. Optimization efforts aim to identify optimal design solutions that satisfy prescribed requirements. However, this demands reversal of currently available knowledge on hybrid structural technologies, which are often formulated as theories...