Accurately predicting MSD crack growth behavior in hybrid metal–composite structures is challenging due to the complex interactions of fiber bridging and delamination failure in fiber–metal laminates (FMLs). These mechanisms enhance damage tolerance but complicate crack analysis. This paper proposes two analytical models to address crack growth in FMLs with multiple collinear cracks. The first model analyzes crack openings and stress intensity factors (SIFs) for multiple cracks, capturing the physics of MSD cracking, but it is cumbersome to implement. The second model simplifies the problem by considering energy dissipation, treating the MSD scenario as a single crack in a finite plate and equating the energy dissipation between both cases. Both models were validated and show accurate predictions of crack growth behavior, capturing crack acceleration effectively. The results emphasize the importance of accounting for the contributions of bridging and stiffening mechanisms in FMLs, particularly load redistribution, which influences crack growth.

Developing a bonded prestressed solution for strengthening structures utilizing an iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA), is of significant interest. This study is the first systematic investigation of adhesively-bonded Fe-SMA joints to achieve complete cohesive failure, which is an essential prerequisite for bond integrity. The Fe-SMA surface was prepared by combining UV/ozone exposure (UV), sol–gel (SG), and primers (P_C, P_NC), and the failure mode of the joint was investigated using the floating-roller peel test. Furthermore, the joint durability was studied through artificial aging using a salt spray cabinet. Cohesive failure was obtained for all investigated adhesives, and the effect of every surface preparation step was described. The application of sol–gel was found to be a crucial step in obtaining complete adhesive failure.