Numerical simulation of workpiece thermal field in drilling CFRP/Aluminum alloy

Abstract

Temperature reached at the tool/workpiece interface is difficult to measure during drilling operation, due to its enclosed configuration; numerical simulation is therefore a good alternative to access to this information. The purpose of this study is to develop and carry out numerical simulations in order to estimate the workpiece thermal field generated during drilling. The simulations are validated by comparing simulated and measured temperatures at 4 mm from the holes wall. This method is applied to evaluate thermal field generated during drilling (with chip removing cycles) of CFRP/Aluminum alloy stacks. The influence of the drilling kinematics on the workpiece thermal field is also investigated.