Impact of Nd-YAG laser drilled holes on the strength and stiffness of laminar flow carbon fibre reinforced composite panels

T. Young, D. O'Driscoll

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The effect of Nd-YAG laser drilled holes on the strength and stiffness of carbon fibre epoxy composite panels has been investigated. The holes, approximately 50 μm in diameter and 500 μm apart, are required to produce a porous skin for a Hybrid Laminar Flow application on an aircraft. Scanning Electron Microscope inspection indicated resin damage around the holes due to the heat of the laser. The damage area was elliptical in shape and measured approximately one hole diameter on either side of the drilled hole in unidirectional carbon fibre panels. The perforations reduced the static strength between 2 and 54% compared to non-drilled specimens, depending on the material type (unidirectional or weave), drilling method (single or multi-pulse) and hole pattern.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalComposites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Volume33
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2002

Keywords

  • A. Carbon fibre
  • B. Mechanical properties
  • Nd-YAG laser drilling

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