Study on Cure-Induced Residual Stresses for Fibre Metal Laminate
During autoclave curing process, because of the mismatch between coefficients of thermal expansion of fibre layers and metal layers, residual stresses are developed in Fibre Metal Laminates (FML). In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model was developed to predict cure-induced residual stresses for FML. And then FML-2/1 and FML-3/2 structures (plate and L-shape) were studied with the finite element model. The results show that residual tensile stress is in metal layers and residual compressive stress is in fibre layers. Residual stresses in Fibre Metal Laminates are bigger enough to affect the deformation and fatigue performance.