Mechanical effects of microchannels on fiber-reinforced composite structure

Microchannel networks embedded within fiber-reinforced composites provide empty spaces and pathways to store and transport a functional fluid to the desired location within a structure to execute one or more tasks of sensing, healing, and cooling at the same time. This addition to structure is anticipated to enhance the performance, safety, and reliability of the structure. Besides these benefits, these embedded channels alter the microstructure and fiber volume fraction of the composite that ultimately affect the load-carrying capacity of the composite structure. This paper seeks to review the effect of microchannel addition on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites. This effect may be positive or negative; slight or significant largely depends upon channel diameter, location, inter-channel distance, shape, and orientation, which also play a great role in the multifunctional performance of the composites. Therefore, depending upon the application these parameters must be wisely selected to manufacture the most suitable microchannel network that can lead to optimum multifunctional composite structures.