LiM 2011 Laser-based approach for bonded repair of carbon fiber reinforced plastics

This paper describes a laser-based approach for the bonded repair of fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts. According to CFRP's material properties and sensitivity to thermal loads, short pulsed UV laser radiation is deployed to realize a precise ply by ply removal for preparation of the repair geometry. The influence of different process parameters like hatch distance and number of cycles on the ablation depth and throughput is discussed. Finally, a full shear strength testing conformable to DIN 65148 is successfully conducted and demonstrates a maximum of material strength combined with a significant drop in total process time.