Numerical simulation of KrF excimer laser treatment of unidirectional, plain weaved and 4-Harness Satin weaved CFRP using simplified geometric models and differential thermal conductivity

Carbon fibre reinforced polymers or plastics (CFRP) are being used in the aerospace and automotive industry as the structural material. In this study, numerical simulation of KrF excimer laser treatment of three different CFRPs namely unidirectional CFRP (UD CFRP), plain weaved CFRP (PW CFRP) and 4-Harness Satin weaved CFRP (4HSW CFRP) has been done. Simplified geometric model of each considered CFRP has been proposed utilizing differential thermal conductivity method. Individual parameter combinations those have resulted in the rise of the temperature of the resin layer near or more than the glass transition temperature of the same are selected exclusively for each CFRP type. KrF laser treatment experiments have been performed for each mentioned CFRPs with those individually selected parameter combinations. Excellent match of the results from the proposed numerical study has been observed with the experimental findings and the best resemblance has been obtained in case of weaved pattern CFRPs. The heat flow patterns with time within the carbon fibre layers have been also demonstrated for both PW CFRP and 4HSW CFRP.