Key Parameters of Laser Shock for Efficient Dismantling of Multilayer Structures

Key Parameters of Laser Shock for Efficient Dismantling of Multilayer Structures

Laser shock dismantling (see Lesson 1), a process that is both sensitive and selective, facilitates the reuse and recovery of composite plies while meeting ecological and property standards. The technique offers a non-impacting and more efficient way to disassemble composites for reuse in various applications. Key parameters for achieving efficient dismantling include laser power density and recovery rate.

The laser power density (GW/cm²) is crucial for generating the necessary shockwaves to effectively separate the layers, while the recovery rate, defined as the percentage of the shot surface area relative to the total sample area, plays a significant role in determining the overall efficiency of the process.

Both factors must be carefully optimized to ensure effective delamination of the interface and its weakening for the recovery of individual plies from the laminated composite while preserving the maximum chemical and mechanical properties compared to the original production samples. Additionally, the process should minimize energy consumption.

This lesson will focus on optimizing these parameters to define process windows. It will be based on the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests to relate them to interface weakness. Other tests, such as the Fracture Toughness (GIC) test, could also be used as an alternative.

It will be applied to material woven composite fiber-reinforced epoxy resin.