Determining finite-width-correction factors for fatigue crack growth prediction in GLARE using the equivalent compliance method

Finite-width-correction factors (FWCF) are required for GLARE to accurately predict fatigue crack growth using linear elastic fracture mechanics. As demonstrated in earlier work, these factors effectively correct for the change in specimen compliance, which in GLARE relates to intact fibre layers and the formation of delaminations between these layers and the cracked metal layers. Therefore, the development of delaminations in various GLARE grades were studied using digital image correlation during fatigue crack growth experiments under different maximum stresses and stress ratios. The elongation of GLARE in loading direction was recorded by crosshead displacement during fatigue testing, and was correlated to the observed development of the delamination area. The relationship between effective delamination area and effective GLARE specimen compliance is used as basis for determining explicit formulations for the FWCF for GLARE.