Research on Laser Cleaning Technology for Aircraft Skin Surface Paint Layer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Laser Physics
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Aircraft surfaces require efficient and non-damaging paint removal methods.
• Pulsed laser cleaning offers a potential solution for precise material processing.
• Understanding laser-material interactions is crucial for optimizing cleaning processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of pulsed laser parameters on paint removal from 2024 aluminum alloy.
• To analyze the microstructural changes in the aluminum alloy after laser treatment.
• To determine the optimal laser settings for effective and safe paint removal.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 1064 nm pulsed laser with a 100 ns pulse width.
• Conducted experimental analysis varying power density, scanning speed, and repetitive frequency.
• Employed simulation to explore the laser cleaning mechanism.
• Examined microstructural evolution of the aluminum alloy substrate.

Main Results:

• Power density and scanning speed significantly impacted cleaning quality.
• Identified specific damage thresholds and optimal cleaning parameters.
• Optimal settings: 178.25 MW/cm² power density, 500 mm/s scanning speed, 40 kHz repetitive frequency.
• Thermal ablation and thermal vibration confirmed as primary cleaning mechanisms.
• Laser processing induced surface dislocations, concentrated stress, and grain refinement.

Conclusions:

• Pulsed laser cleaning is effective for removing paint from 2024 aluminum alloy.
• Optimal laser parameters are critical for achieving high-quality cleaning and minimizing substrate damage.
• Laser treatment leads to beneficial microstructural modifications, including grain refinement.