On the electrical resistance of carbon fiber polymer matrix composites

This paper studies the response of carbon fiber polymer matrix composites subjected to DC electric currents. A new fully automated experimental setup that enables one to measure electric field characteristics (current, voltage, resistance) and temperature at the surface of electrified composites in real time has been developed. The experimental procedure ensured a low contact resistance between the composite and electrodes and low resistance heating. An extensive experimental study on the electrical characterization of AS4/3501-6 and IM7/977-2 carbon fiber polymer composites of different lay-up and thickness has been conducted. The effect of the resistive heating was studied using experimental analysis as well as the finite element modeling.