Stress analysis of FML plates with elliptical cutouts under in-plane loading

In the present study the experimental and numerical stress analysis of Fiber Metal Laminates (FML) with Elliptical cutouts are considered. Fiber Metal Laminates are types of materials which are consist of combination of metal sheets, especially aluminum ones, with fiber reinforced epoxy layers. The experimental technique, using the strain gauges for measuring amount of strain near the cutout, was investigated. According to the mechanical properties, stress distribution and stress concentration factor of the cutout was determined. Finite element analysis, using ABAQUS commercial software, was applied for determining stress distributions, as a second method. In experiment, two types of elliptical cutout is considered, which in the first one major diameter is aligned in load direction and in the second one minor diameter is aligned in load direction. Finally, experimental and finite element results are compared.