A phenomenological model for predicting crack growth in fiber-reinforced metal laminates under constant-amplitude loading

On the basis of the experimental observation that crack growth in fiber-rei nforced-metal laminates (FRMLs) under fatigue loading tends to reach a stea dy state, a material constant, the equivalent crack length (lo) of FRMLs, i s proposed. The stress intensity factor equation for FRMLs during fatigue i s derived, and a phenomenological model for predicting crack growth in FRML s developed. Very good agreement was achieved between the predicted fatigue lives from the phenomenological model and the test results. The present ph enomenological model can be applied to both center-cracked-tension (CCT) an d single-edge-notched-tension (SENT) specimens:ns, requires no knowledge of the bridging traction and the delamination growth in FRMLs, and thus will greatly facilitate engineering application, (C); 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.