Examination on Mechanical Behavior and Drilling Analysis of Fiber Metal Laminates

Abstract

Fiber Metal Laminates (FML) are a class of composites that are recently employed to substitute sole metals in various applications like aerospace applications. In this investigation, a new type of FML was successfully fabricated using compression moulding in which Aluminium and ceramics mat are stacked in the presence of epoxy resin. To improve the bonding by ensuring the flow of resin through the laminates, drilling with various pattern on the Aluminium sheet and ceramic mat were performed before subjected to compression to form FML. Aluminium sheets with Zig-zag pattern performed in a better way due to the improvements in bonding. In addition, drilling operation was done on the FML to ensure the de-lamination resistance and machinability. The drill bit before and after drilling was inspected by using optical microscope to understand the machinability behaviour of the FML.