Carbon Fiber-Based Structural Electric Capacitors: Coupled Mechanical-Electrical Behavior and Effect of Interlaminar Damage

Zhenglai Shen, Hongyu Zhou

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper studies the coupled mechanical and electrical behaviors of carbon fiber-based structural electric capacitors (CSEC) materials, in particular the effects of interlaminar damage on both mechanical and electrical performances of the material. CSEC specimens with three different dielectric materials (i.e., trilayer PP-PET-PP, PETE, and LTX films) and four layup configurations were fabricated and tested to failure. The mechanical and electrical properties of material were measured concurrently and the results were compared to conventional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. It was found that the load bearing capacity of CSEC materials is, in general, lower than their CFRP counterparts, and it varies as a function of the dielectric material type. The lower load bearing capacity of CSEC is mainly due to interlaminar damage, which also leads to capacitance deterioration as mechanical load. The interlaminar damage initiates at early-stage of loading (i.e, 30-40% of the peak stresses), accompanied by capacitance decay. Both the mechanical and electrical properties of CSEC are functions of the dielectric material type and layup configuration. In general, thinner dielectric films will lead to higher nominal stiffness/strength and higher initial capacitance. On the other hand, the materials' ability to retain electrical capacitance under mechanical loading is primarily related to the interfacial fracture toughness, GIc, between dielectric materials and the matrix polymer.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEarth and Space 2016
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering for Extreme Environments - Proceedings of the 15th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments
EditorsRamesh B. Malla, Juan H. Agui, Paul J. van Susante
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages787-796
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780784479971
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event15th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments, Earth and Space 2016 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Apr 11 2016Apr 15 2016

Publication series

NameEarth and Space 2016: Engineering for Extreme Environments - Proceedings of the 15th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments

Conference

Conference15th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments, Earth and Space 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period04/11/1604/15/16

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