Thermal damage of CFRP laminate in fiber laser cutting process and its impact on the mechanical behavior and strain distribution

Abstract

Fiber laser cutting is a promising alternative to the conventional methods in machining CFRP with high efficiency, while the influence of machined quality on strain distribution and mechanical behavior of CFRP laminates is yet not fully understand. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of laser cutting parameters on thermal defects and related mechanical performance. DIC technique was successfully employed to assess full-field strain distribution under tensile loading. The relationship between strain distribution and failure evolution/mode was also investigated. Results showed that various thermal defects including matrix recession, resin decomposition, fiber burrs and delamination were observed on entry and exit surfaces, while microcracks, cavities and striations were prevalent on machined surface. Tensile strength of CFRP laminate with open hole was highly related to applied laser processing parameters. DIC technique indicated that the crack propagation and failure mode were in good agreement with the high level of strains developed around the hole. Matrix-fiber interface cracking, fiber breakage and splitting were the main failure modes at test cessation.