Advanced Composite Structures Australia (ACS Australia) is co-author and acknowledged for the significant contributions of the team and Engineering Manager Dr. Rodney Thomson to a study published in Composites Part C: Open Access journal, titled “Degradation behaviour and damage mechanisms of carbon fibre reinforced polymer composite laminates subjected to laser irradiation”.
Read full article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100605
The peer-reviewed paper investigates the thermal degradation and structural damage mechanisms of aerospace-grade carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites when exposed to high-power continuous wave laser irradiation. This research is particularly relevant to Defence, aerospace and manufacturing sectors, for greater understanding of the effects of high-intensity thermal loads on composite materials.
Dr. Thomson provided expert supervision and technical guidance in experimental design, thermal analysis methodology and structural damage assessment, as well as supporting the Australian Defence Next Generation Technology Fund (NGTF) submission. His experience in composite structural behaviour under extreme conditions was critical in advancing the study’s comprehensive approach, which combined thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared thermal imaging, ultrasonic C-scanning and micro-CT imaging.
The findings demonstrated how variations in laser power density, through adjustments to beam diameter, directly affect thermal response, degradation progression and internal structural damage in CFRPs. These results are critical to guiding the development of mitigation strategies and improving material resistance to laser-based damage and improve structural performance in real-world applications.
Dr Thomson and Ryan Campbell (formerly ACS Australia) are also acknowledged in a prior publication, “Advanced characterization of thermal degradation mechanisms in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites under continuous wave laser irradiation”, full paper found here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108817
Dr. Thomson’s involvement in this collaborative work with Western Sydney University, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and Macquarie University reinforces ACS Australia’s leading role in translational/commercialisation of research and its commitment to supporting Australia’s sovereign advanced manufacturing capabilities.