Experimental investigation of drilling damage and stitching effects on the mechanical behavior of carbon/epoxy composites

The main purpose of composite materials drilling is the need to put together different parts of a structure, in aeronautics for example. Machining generates damages which affect mechanical properties and have to be taken into account during manufacturing process. The objective of this study is to experimentally analyze the influence of drilling on a carbon/epoxy composite, to investigate the relationships among damages, cutting forces, mechanical properties of the drilled specimens and crack propagation. Stitching and a range of spindle speed and feed have been tested when drilling with a classic twist drill. The effect of each parameter has been assessed in terms of thrust force, moment (during machining) and defects, and then linked to mechanical test results. Experimental results have shown significant influences of feed and composite configuration on delamination. Furthermore, cyclic tensile tests have shown that reducing damage and using stitching help increasing tensile strength.