Analysis of the remote laser cutting process induced damage in carbon fibre reinforced polymers

Abstract

AbstractIn machining technologies for fibre reinforced polymers, remote laser cutting plays a special role as it can minimize the drawbacks of conventional laser cutting methods, in particular thermally induced damage such as charred edges and matrix evaporation. In this contribution, a thermal simulation model for the remote laser cutting process is presented. With the aim of a universally applicable model that works independently of the selected carbon fibres, matrix system, and fibre content, the effective thermal material parameters are calculated with a rule of mixture from the microscopic parameters for fibre, matrix, and process gas. The evaporation of matrix and fibre material is modelled with phase transitions. The moving laser spot is modelled with a Gaussian distribution as a heat input on the upper side. The emerging process gas is assumed to absorb a part of the laser power according to the Lambert‐Beer law.