Process simulation of laser shock-based disassembly of adhesively bonded composite/metallic structural parts: a numerical upscaling

ABSTRACT

In previous works, both experimental and numerical investigations have shown the potential of the laser shock technique for disassembling adhesively bonded composite/metal coupons. This study extends this concept to upscale the method, focusing on the full disassembly of a foreign object damage (FOD) panel designed to replicate an aircraft engine fan blade. Utilizing LS-Dyna explicit FE software, the numerical simulation incorporates various material models: a progressive damage model for the 3D CFRP substrate, Johnson–Cook plasticity model combined with Grüneisen equation of state for the titanium layer, and a cohesive zone model with a bilinear traction separation law for the adhesive layer. Investigating the FOD panel’s inclined geometry, a preliminary analysis examines the impact of inclination angles on shock wave propagation and back face velocity, revealing minimal alterations. Initial simulations are conducted to determine double pulse delay times and evaluate spot location effects. Automation of the multi-step process simulation is achieved through a Python script. After approximately 30 shots, complete disassembly of the FOD strip is achieved, with observed damage primarily limited to matrix cracking in the composite substrate. Numerical findings support the efficacy of the double-shot laser shock method for disassembling adhesively bonded metallic/CFRP components, contingent upon appropriate experimental arrangements.

KEYWORDS:

• Laser shock
• finite element analysis
• disassembly
• cohesive zone modelling
• progressive damage modeling

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The research leading to these results is part of the MORPHO project and has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. [101006854].