Abstract
A model describing the failure of an orthotropic plate with a circular hole at its center and subjected to fatigue is described. The model is applied to plates of FP/Al and its validity is investigated over two hole diameters. It was found that the model describes fatigue failure with reasonable accuracy. A damage zone extending on both sides of the hole was found responsible for the initiation of failure of the plate. The en durance limits, based on remote stresses, were 225 MPa and 167.5 MPa for specimens with 1.6 mm dia and 3.2 mm dia holes respectively. The endurance limit of the com posite without a hole was 330 MPa.

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