Basic Characteristics of Electrical Discharge on CFRP by Using Thermal Camera

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is widely used for many structures because of its high strength and rigidity characteristics. Recently, CFRP has been applied as the main structural material in commercial aircraft. However, CFRP is difficult to machine fine process because it consists of hard and soft materials. We have investigated the basic characteristics of EDM on CFRP by using an infrared thermal camera. Processing conditions such as the discharge voltage, current and duration were changed. A gap voltage of several hundred volts results in lightning damage, and a crater forms along the current flow direction. We show that the current flows through the carbon fibers.