Structural Self-Diagnosis for Damage in Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Composites

Abstract

Composite structural self-diagnostic (CSSD) technology has been tested to detect the mechanical damages in carbon-fiber reinforced polymer-matrix composites. In order to characterize the self-sensing technique for damage detection, discrete electrodes were mounted on Double-Cantilever-Beam (DCB). Results on mechanical properties with corresponding electrical resistance changes of the CFRC specimens are presented in this paper. The lay-up configuration of the composite specimens is [06/Teflon/06]T. In addition, acoustic emission was also used to corroborate the CSSD results.