Mechanical performances of a thermal activated composite

The Controlled Behavior Composite Material (CBCM) is a thermal activated composite material. The thermal activation is made thanks to carbon yarns connected to a power supply. Two sorts of CBCM plates are tested. A three-point bending test is performed to obtain the characteristic curves of the plates and a “free deflection” as well as a “blocking force” are defined as relevant parameters. Response times, mechanical powers and yields are calculated to evaluate the performances of the CBCM plates. The influence of some working (intensity per yarn) and design (orientation of the main reinforcement) parameters is studied. Organization in the anisotropy of the structure is a key point for the thermo-mechanical behavior of the CBCM. The loss of matrix rigidity due to the rise in temperature is quantified and the results show that it can be partially offset by the CBCM effect.