Analytical modelling and numerical simulation of the nonlinear deformation of hybrid fibre–metal laminates

GLARE laminates are an advanced hybrid material system consisting of alternating layers of thin aluminium sheets and unidirectional or biaxial reinforced high strength glass fibre/epoxy composite layers. The unique combination of ductile aluminium layers with high strength composite layers results in a unique fibre–metal laminate (FML) having light weight, outstanding fatigue resistance, excellent impact resistance, flame resistance and corrosion properties. This paper investigates the nonlinear tensile response and fracture behaviour of GLARE 4 and GLARE 5 laminates under in-plane loading. Both an analytical constitutive model based on a modified classical lamination theory, which incorporates the elasto-plastic behaviour of the aluminium alloy, and a numerical simulation based on finite element modelling are used to predict the stress–strain response and deformation behaviour of GLARE laminates. Good agreement is obtained between the model predictions and experimental results. The validated model can be used to optimize the microstructure including the metal type and thickness, the fibre type, orientation and volume fraction and the properties of the FMLs.