Disassembly of fusion bonded thermoplastic composite joints aided by induction heating

Abstract

Disassembly of fusion bonded joints aided by induction heating was investigated. Single-lap shear experiments were performed while heating the joint with an induction coil to research the effect on force required and damage inflicted during disassembly. Co-consolidated CF/PEEK samples with and without a metal mesh susceptor and ultrasonically welded samples were tested and compared. An induction heating model was built to facilitate experimental design and to help analyse the effect of the susceptor on the heating process. Induction heating appeared successful in lowering the disassembly force. Large reductions were achieved, but this came at the cost of thermal damage in the disassembled adherends. For a reduction to 37% of the original strength, no thermal damage was inflicted during disassembly, except for one outlier. A susceptor facilitated disassembly for co-consolidated joints, while PEEK energy director remnants hindered heat development in ultrasonically welded joints. Further research is required to develop the method.