The generation of composite materials called the Hybrid composites (Glare) show superior fatigue properties and slower crack growth in comparison to the metallic laminates. Our research is aimed at maturing structural bonding process by modelling and structural test.

Our group have developed several capabilities including:

• Crack propagation through first metallic layer using XFEM
• Buckling driven delamination
• Cumulative damage model of the adhesive layer together with the metal layer
• Effect of laminate lay-up.

The above models were complimented with extensive testing (Fatigue) of open hole and dog-bone specimens. See SABCAD project details.