Analytical prediction model for fatigue crack growth in Fibre Metal Laminates with MSD scenario

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study on Multiple-site Damage (MSD) crack growth behaviour in Fibre Metal Laminates (FMLs). The prediction model is developed based on a simplified analysis of the effects of load redistribution on a single crack in FMLs containing multiple cracks. Test results show that the crack growth accelerates as cracks grow towards each other. The tests also show non-symmetric crack growth behaviour and non-symmetric interfacial delamination propagation in case of multiple cracks. The prediction model successfully captures the crack growth acceleration and non-symmetric growth behaviour.