Application of a modified Wheeler model to predict fatigue crack growth in Fibre Metal Laminates under variable amplitude loading

This paper presents the investigation regarding fatigue crack growth prediction in Fibre Metal Laminates under variable amplitude fatigue loading. A recently developed constant amplitude analytical prediction model for Fibre Metal Laminates has been extended to predict fatigue crack growth under variable amplitude loading using the modified Wheeler model based on the Irwin crack-tip plasticity correction and effective stress intensity factor range (Delta K-eff). The fatigue crack growth predictions made with this model have been compared with crack growth tests on GLARE center-cracked tension specimens under selective variable amplitude loading as well as flight simulation loading. The accuracy of the model is discussed in comparison with the experimental fatigue crack growth data. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.