Optimal control during drilling in GFRP composite laminates

Abstract

Purpose – Damage due to delamination is an important issue during drilling in polymer-matrix composites (PMCs). It depends on thrust force and torque which are functions of feed rate. Transfer function of thrust force with feed rate and torque with feed rate is constructed through experiments. These transfer functions are then combined in state-space to formulate a sixth-order model. Then thrust force and torque are controlled by using optimal controller. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – A glass fiber reinforced plastic composite is drilled at constant feed rate during experimentation. The corresponding time response of thrust force and torque is recorded. Third-order transfer functions of thrust force with feed rate and torque with feed rate are identified using system identification toolbox of Matlab®. These transfer functions are then converted into sixth-order combined state-space model. Optimal controller is then designed to track given reference trajectories of thrust force/torque during drilling in composite laminate. Findings – Optimal control is used to simultaneously control thrust force as well as torque during drilling. There is a critical thrust force during drilling below which no delamination occurs. Therefore, critical thrust force profile is used as reference for delamination free drilling. Present controller precisely tracks the critical thrust force profile. Using critical thrust force as reference, high-speed drilling can be done. The controller is capable of precisely tracking arbitrary thrust force and torque profile simultaneously. Findings suggest that the control mechanism is efficient and can be effective in minimizing drilling induced damage in composite laminates. Originality/value – Simultaneous optimal control of thrust force and torque during drilling in composites is not available in literature. Feed rate corresponding to critical thrust force trajectory which can prevent delamination at fast speed also not available has been presented.