Introduction A bi-linear cohesive zone model (CZM) has been developed to examine the
behaviour of Glare™ Fibre Metal Laminate (FML) specimens containing manufacturing
defects in typical features such as splices and doublers. In particular the effects of
delamination at the metal- fibre interfaces on the buckling characteristics have been examined.
A series of specimens with artificial delaminations have been tested under compression for
validation. Tests have been monitored using Digital Image Correlation to determine
delamination growth and strain energy release rates for use in the model. Acoustic Emission
(AE) has enabled detection and location the onset and progression of damage. Preliminary
results for Glare 4B specimens incorporating delaminations into both a splice and a doubler
are presented. Good correlation is observed between test result and prediction.