A crack growth resistance curve approach to fiber/metal laminate fracture toughness evaluation

Fiber/metal laminates consist of thin, high strength aluminum alloy sheets alternately bonded to plies of fiber-reinforced epoxy adhesive. This new class of material combines the best features of organic matrix composites and metals. Tests conducted on wide centrally slotted panels show that fiber/metal laminates, like metals, exhibit capacity for slow stable tearing prior to rapid fracture. It is also shown that a fracture mechanics based R-curve approach, similar to that used for metals, can be applied to predict effects of size and geometry on slotted laminate panel residual strength. These results represent an important step in the development of analytical practices for fiber/metal laminate damage tolerance and airworthiness assessments.