Assessment of continuous laser ablation model for lightweight quartz fiber reinforced phenolic composite

Abstract

A comprehensive investigation into the interaction between a continuous wave (CW) laser and lightweight quartz fiber reinforced phenolic (LQFRP) composite would provide valuable insights into the characteristics and performance of ablation. To simulate the CW laser ablation of LQFRP composite, a 2D symmetrical element model was developed, incorporating the heat conduction equation, resin pyrolysis mechanism, and deformed geometry module. This model was the first to examine the internal pyrolysis degree and gas flow field of LQFRP composite under CW laser irradiation, and its predictions were in reasonable agreement with experimental measurements. Additionally, the model was used to simulate CW laser ablation with varying spot sizes and power densities. The results revealed that during the laser ablation process, an internal high‐pressure zone formed on the side of the ablation hole. The volatilization of SiO2 was identified as the dominant dissipation mechanism for material removal. The width of the ablation hole was positively correlated with the laser spot size, while the depth of the ablation hole was positively correlated with the laser power density.Highlights The model first studied the internal pyrolysis degree and flow field of LQFRP composite under laser irradiation. The volatilization of SiO2 was identified as the dominant dissipation mechanism for material removal. An internal high‐pressure zone formed on the side of the ablation hole during the laser ablation process. The width of the ablation hole was positively correlated with the laser spot size, while the depth of the ablation hole was positively correlated with the laser power density.