Numerical prediction of delamination in CFRP drilling

• Modeling of drilling of CFRPs involves elevated computational cost.
• Simplified models lead to reduced computational time.
• Complete and simplified models were compared in terms of delamination prediction.
• The simplified model, slightly overestimates the delamination factor.
• The influence of thrust force, clamping area and the stacking sequence is studied.

Delamination is one of the undesired effects of machining using non appropriate cutting parameters or worn drill. Finite element modeling of drilling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites is an interesting tool for damage prediction. Recently, complete modeling of the process including the rotatory movement of the drill, penetration in the composite plate and element erosion has been developed in the scientific literature. Computational cost of these complex models is a great disadvantage when comparing them with simplified models that consider the drill acting like a punch that pierces the laminate. In this paper both complete and simplified models were developed and compared in terms of delamination prediction. The simplified model, presenting reduced computational cost, slightly overestimates the delamination factor when compared with the complex model. The influence on delamination of thrust force, clamping area at the bottom surface of the laminate and the stacking sequence is studied using the simplified model.