Mechanical damage in carbon fiber polymer-matrix composite, studied by electrical resistance measurement

Abstract

The through-thickness resistance of a continuous carbon fiber epoxy-matrix composite laminate was found to be a sensitive indicator of matrix damage. Damage of the matrix between adjacent laminae caused the resistance to change from a behavior in which it reversibly increased with longitudinal strain to one in which it reversibly decreased with longitudinal strain. The longitudinal resistance was a less sensitive indicator of matrix damage. Nevertheless, damage of the matrix between fibers in a lamina caused the longitudinal resistance to decrease gradually and irreversibly.

Keywords:

• POLYMER-MATRIX
• COMPOSITE
• CARBON FIBER
• EPOXY
• ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE
• DAMAGE
• MECHANICAL