Effect of Fiber Orientation and Stacking Sequence on Bending Properties of Fiber/Metal Laminates

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are hybrid composites consisting of alternating thin layers of metal sheets and fiber reinforced epoxy. In this work, the bending behavior of this attractive material is investigated. 9 sets of specimens were made with different fiber orientation. Also, the effect of stacking sequence is studied. Test results show that suitable layering and using aluminum layers in the back and front of specimens improve the bending strength. Statistical analysis of data shows that the most important parameter is glass fibers orientation in the lower glass/epoxy layer.