Assessment of decision-making algorithms for adaptive drilling of aerospace stacks

Abstract

When drilling multi-material aerospace stacks, adaptive drilling can allow for parameter optimisation for each individual layer of the workpiece, resulting in improved borehole quality and extended tool life. This work investigates the effectiveness of different decision-making strategies in determining the occurrence of process incidences when drilling CFRP/Aluminium stacks. Cutting force signals acquired at different tool wear stages with different machining equipment were fed to three decision-making algorithms, allowing for an assessment on their responsiveness and reliability in detecting the occurrence of three process incidences: tool engagement, material transition and tool disengagement.