Introduction

Abstract

Historically, Fibre Metal Laminates were introduced as a laminated material concept to improve the fatigue and damage tolerance properties of metallic structures in aeronautics. However, the concept can be viewed from different perspectives. This chapter discusses that the FML concept can be seen either as reinforcement of metallic structures or as reinforcement of fibre-reinforced polymer composite structures. Cases are given to illustrate how the concept of damage tolerance can be exploited with FMLs, in particular if the concept is viewed as structural concept rather than a material concept.