Investigating the static response of hybrid fibre-metal laminate doublers loaded in tension

Experimental and numerical studies have been undertaken on hybrid fibre-metal (aluminium-Glare) laminate (FML) doubler joints to investigate their static response under tension loading. The specimens either have the fibres parallel to the loading direction (spanwise) or perpendicular to the loading direction (chordwise). Inevitably sheets in these laminates butt together and these butts can affect the joint strength. The effect of the butt position was investigated. The spanwise specimen was found to have the highest strength followed by chordwise specimens without butts and finally chordwise specimens with butts. The most critical position for a butt was found to be adjacent to the doubler end. The ultimate strength for spanwise and chordwise specimens without butts was controlled by the failure in the Glare layer, however, for specimens with butts, the butts control the ultimate strength. A progressive damage numerical analysis was undertaken using cohesive zone elements to model failure in the Glare and in the adhesive layers. This modelling was found to be in good agreement with the experiment data both in terms of the strength and the failure mechanisms.