Abstract

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are a novel type of structural material that has been extensively applied in the aerospace field. These laminates are sandwich-type composite materials that comprise alternate metal and fiber-reinforced resin layers. Because of the structural characteristics of the material, it has high-impact resistance from the metal layer and increased fracture toughness and excellent fatigue and damage tolerance properties from the fiber layer. To further develop and apply this new composite material, it is essential to understand the research status on the stress analysis of each component in FMLs and the tensile strength properties of FMLs. Therefore, in this study, the current research status on the residual stress and applied stress of the component materials in FMLs and the tensile strength of the laminates is summarized. The relationship between the applied stress of each layer and the remote stress of laminates and the relationship between the tensile properties of laminates and the component material properties in laminates are clarified. Additionally, the theoretical basis and direction of development of the related models are analyzed and studied. Consequently, all of the above are aimed at laying a foundation for further investigations of the laminate theory and for the improvement of the theoretical research system.