Experimental Study on Machining of Hybrid Composite Stacks Using Submerged Abrasive Waterjet Machining Process

Abstract

The research involves experimental study on precision machining of hybrid composite stacks using Submerged Abrasive Waterjet Machining (SAWJM) process. In this study, an in-house fabricated SAWJM setup is used to machine a stack of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Titanium. The effect of critical parameters including stand-off distance and abrasive grain size on the size of the cavity machined during SAWJM and Abrasive Waterjet Machining (AWJM) processes are studied. The study found that SAWJM process is capable of successfully machining CFRP/Titanium composites with high precision. The machined surface is free of thermal stresses and did not show any delamination or cracking around the edges. The study suggested that the stand-off distance and abrasive grain size has significant influence on the machining process. The cavities machined on both CFRP and titanium during SAWJM process are smaller and more circular than that produced during AWJM process. The results of this study provide deeper insight into precision machining of hybrid composite stacks.