Predicting the effects of geometry on the behaviour of fibre metal laminate joints

The effects of geometry on the bearing response of fibre metal laminate (FML) joints are numerically investigated. Specimens designed to fail in bearing, net-tension and shear-out are analysed using a continuum damage mechanics approach. Plasticity in the aluminium layers, fibre and matrix damage in the composite plies and, importantly, delamination between the plies of the laminate are accounted for. The effects of mesh sensitivity, associated with strain-softening material models, are mitigated using a nonlocal averaging scheme. Results are compared to experimental bearing stress–strain and bearing stiffness–strain responses, and surface strain measurements. Variations in the development of damage for the different joints are investigated, and the effect of damage on the joint responses is discussed. Very good agreement was achieved for the specimens of interest, without varying the model parameters for the different joint configurations, which highlighted the suitability of the model for FML structural analysis. The combined numerical and experimental information provide an in-depth understanding of the failure sequences of FML joints.