Effect of Process Parameters on Delamination, Thrust force and Torque in Drilling of Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composite

Abstract

Drilling is the most frequently used machining process for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates owing to the need for structural joining. Delamination is a major problem associated with drilling of CFRP composites. Therefore, it is important to investigate and minimize the drilling induced delamination that can affect structural integrity of materials, assembly tolerance, mechanical properties of produced parts, and the quality of drilled holes. Thrust force has been cited as the main cause of delamination. The damage caused at the entrance and the exit of the drilled hole is characterized by delamination factor. In this paper, the drilling tests are carried on bi-directional carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite (BCFREC) laminate by using high speed steel drill at different feed rate and spindle speed. The study reveals that delamination tendency, thrust force and torque increase with the increase in feed rate and spindle speed. The drilling - induced delamination is visualized and measured by using high resolution scanner.