LAUSR

Machining of composite materials is a challenging task due to the heterogeneity and anisotropy of composite structures. The induced defects reduce integrity of the machined surface as well as the loading capacity of the composite structure in service. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify the damage induced during trimming and correlate the quality of the machined surface to mechanical properties. The correlation of the surface roughness criteria, widely used in literature, to the mechanical behavior raise several contradictions. For this reason, new parameters for the characterization of the machined surface are proposed and correlated to the mechanical behavior under compressive loading. In this context, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic laminates are conventionally trimmed, and the machining damage is characterized using scanning electron microscope observations, X-ray tomography, and 3D optical topography. The results reveal that crater volume and maximum depth of damage quantify the machining damage more realistic compared to the classical surface roughness criteria.