Abstract
This paper investigates the feasibility of monitoring progressive delamination growth in Z-pinned composite laminates via the measurement of through-thickness electrical resistance. This novel health monitoring technique is based on connecting Z-pins both in series and in parallel by means of arrays of electrodes arranged on the laminate surfaces. This creates a multi-functional (through-thickness reinforcing and sensing) laminated structure. Experimental results on double-cantilever beam coupons demonstrate that the entire Mode I bridging response of Z-pins can be monitored, from the arrival of the delamination front to the complete pull-out of the through-thickness reinforcement. Hence the extent of delamination can be inferred from the through-thickness resistance. This is proved for both conductive (carbon fibre-reinforced) and non-conductive (glass fibre-reinforced) laminates. The premature Z-pin failure during progressive pull-out corresponds to an abrupt increase of through-thickness electrical resistance. The delamination sensing/suppression method presented in this paper can be readily applied to Z-pinned composites at structural level.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 679-688 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Materials and Design |
Volume | 108 |
Early online date | 12 Jul 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Oct 2016 |
Structured keywords
- Composites UTC
Keywords
- Structural composites
- Z-pins
- Delamination
- Fracture toughness
- Health monitoring.
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Professor Giuliano Allegri
- Department of Aerospace Engineering - Professor of Structural Integrity of Composites
- Composites University Technology Centre (UTC)
- Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS)
Person: Academic