Fatigue delamination growth of carbon and glass reinforced fiber metal laminates in fracture mode II

Fatigue delamination growth (FDG) rate was investigated in composite laminates with aluminium and carbon/glass fibers. An End Notch Flexure test was used to determine compliance-calibration as well as fatigue and quasi-static interlaminar fracture. Experimental tests results suggest, that fatigue delamination threshold in a metal-composite interface is governed by the epoxy matrix, while the FDG rate is governed by the fibers/matrix cohesion. Deceleration of delamination growth was observed when delamination reached a central point of the specimen. Generally, laminates reinforced by glass fibers are more resistant for delamination growth than reinforced by carbon fibers.