Evaluation of thrust force, delamination and hole quality during drilling an alfa-jute/epoxy natural fiber hybrid composite
Abdelmalek Elhadi, Salah Amroune, Mohamed Slamani, Uğur Köklü, Mustapha Arslane, Madani Grine, Borhen Louhichi
Abstract
Drilling composite materials is a critical stage in assembly, especially for structures that rely on mechanical fasteners. This research investigates the drilling of a hybrid composite made of an epoxy matrix reinforced with natural jute and Alfa fibers, focusing on three key cutting parameters: feed rate, spindle speed, and drill point angle. The study aims to assess how these factors affect thrust force, delamination, and the quality of the hole’s exit. Findings indicate that using a low feed rate, moderate spindle speed, and a smaller drill point angle helps reduce delamination and enhances hole surface finish. On the other hand, higher feed rates increase thrust force, raising the likelihood of damage and defects. The optimal conditions for minimizing thrust force and delamination while maintaining good hole quality involve a drill with a 110° point angle, a spindle speed of 1000 rpm, and low feed rates. Under these settings, thrust force remains low—ranging from 32.38 N at 50 mm/min to 26.07 N at 150 mm/min—while the delamination factor stays minimal, peaking at 1.052 even at higher feed rates. These findings emphasize the significance of carefully choosing cutting parameters to maintain composite integrity and enhance drilling efficiency. The study highlights the need to balance productivity with precision, optimizing cutting conditions to reduce damage and ensure the structural reliability of hybrid composites.