Laser Removal of Composite Coatings and Damaged Areas

The US Navy has identified a need for laser removal of composite coatings and damaged areas on V-22 aircraft. This need is based on the V-22 program office desire to greatly reduce maintenance costs while improving environmental health and personnel safety factors. Laser and Plasma Technologies (LPT) will investigate the feasibility of using emerging fiber laser technology for removal of composite coatings and damaged areas and a novel capacitance based end point detection system to monitor and control laser process. The phase I feasibility demonstration will be accomplished by: (1) carrying out laser removal experiments (2) demonstration of end-point detection using non contact capacitance sensor for coating thickness monitor and laser control (3) demonstration of a vapor collection system for removal of laser generated vapors and particles (4) development of a fully integrated system concept for applications at depot and field levels. This effort will be carried out in support with the National Science Foundation Industry University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Virginia, allowing access to equipments for examination of damage to the underlying composite material. LPT plans to commercialize the technology in partnership with OEM prime community.