LAUSR

Abstract The fundamental aspects of fatigue fracture mechanisms (crack onset and propagation) in riveted single lap joints of fiber-metal laminate have been disclosed through extensive failure analysis of double-riveted 2/1 Glare™ laminate layup. Three fatigue fracture mechanisms, namely, rivet fracture, Glare laminate cracking and fretting-fatigue have been determined as function of the peak stress. The roles of the joint elements and fiber-metal laminate constituents on the fatigue strength have been determined. Aligned riveting has shown more fatigue resistant than non-aligned rivets due to its higher restriction to secondary bending moments, so that potential fracture mechanisms were postponed and/or prevented. It has been discovery that, more than damage tolerance, the damage resistance capability of the joint determines its fatigue and quasi-static strengths. The obtained results can provide insights in designing complex riveted Glare joints with superior fatigue and quasi-static in-service performance.