Predicting the influence of discretely notched layers on fatigue crack growth in fibre metal laminates

• Load redistribution caused by stiffness reduction accelerates fatigue crack growth.
• We model the influence of load redistribution on crack growth in a FML panel.
• More stiffness reduction results in faster crack growth in FMLs.

This paper presents an analytical model for fatigue crack growth prediction in Fibre Metal Laminates (FMLs) containing discretely notched layers. This model serves as a precursor in the development of a simplified prediction methodology for modelling the effect of load redistribution on a single crack in FMLs containing Multiple-site Damage (MSD) scenario. The model mainly focuses on capturing the influence of load distribution around discretely notched layers on the growth behaviour of an adjacent crack in a FML panel. The utilized approach in the model is the use of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) in conjunction with the principle of superposition and displacement compatibility. The proposed model is also validated using experimental data.