Temperature Evolution in Carbon Fiber/Bismaleimide Matrix Composites under Continuous-Wave Laser Irradiation

Abstract

Comprehensive experimental and computational studies have been conducted to accurately measure and predict temperature evolution in polymeric composite material subjected to laser irradiation. Plain-woven 16-ply composites with T650 carbon fibers and bismaleimide matrix were used as a substrate subjected to laser irradiation using a continuous wave, ~1.0692 μm wavelength laser with a flat-top profile and a nominal beam diameter of 3.0 cm. The spatial and temporal evolution of temperature for the front (laser-exposed side) and back surfaces of the composite specimens were monitored and recorded with spatially calibrated infrared (IR) cameras. Additionally, internal temperature evolution was measured with thermocouples embedded in the midplane of the composite specimens. A nonlinear transient finite element (FE) analysis, based on conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer, was conducted using a commercial FE software package, ANSYS, to predict the temperature history during heating (laser exposure) and cooling (after exposure). For all investigated laser powers (5.0 - 13.8 W), the numerical prediction demonstrated considerable agreement with experimental IR camera and thermocouple data.