Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
7889969 Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 2018 25 Pages PDF
Abstract
The in-situ, real-time detection of delamination cracks in composite materials using z-pins is reported. Carbon fibre-epoxy composites were reinforced in the through-thickness direction with different volume content (up to 4%) or material type (composite, metal) of z-pins. Z-pins can reduce the through-thickness electrical resistivity of composites by several orders of magnitude (up to ∼106), depending on their volume content and electrical properties. Z-pins create an electrically conductive pathway through-the-thickness of the otherwise resistive composite material (with an electrical resistivity of about 1.25 Ω m). Mode I interlaminar tests performed under static fracture and cyclic fatigue load conditions reveal that z-pins can be used to detect delamination cracking via changes to the electrical resistivity. The sensitivity of z-pins to changes in the resistivity caused by crack growth is influenced by their volume content, electrical conductivity and interfacial bonding with the composite material.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Materials Science Ceramics and Composites
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