A nonlinear theory for CFRP strengthened aluminum beam

In order to improve the load carrying capacity and flexural rigidity, aluminum beams were strengthened by carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) sheets. The ends of the CFRP strip were mechanically fastened to eliminate peeling stress and change the failure style from normal debonding to tangential slippery. A nonlinear theory, including nonlinear deformation theory and failure criterion based on the maximum shear stress method, was proposed to predict the nonlinear complete deformation curve and the debonding force of the hybrid strengthened aluminum beam. The nonlinear theory suggests consistent complete deformation curves with the four-point-bending experiments and accurately predicts the debonding load of the hybrid bonded beam.