Analysis of Electric Field Induced Changes on the Response of Carbon Fiber Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract

Our recent studies 1-3 show that application of an electric current to carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites may lead to an increase in the maximum impact load and reduction of the impact damage. In general, the influence of the electric field on the mechanical response of electrically conductive composites is characterized by a complex array of factors, which manifest themselves at both macro- and microscales. With respect to carbon fiber polymer matrix composites that we are interested in, a number of basic factors can be distinguished: (i) coupling of the mechanical and electromagnetic fields if both mechanical and electromagnetic loads are applied; (ii) electric current induced heating; (iii) change in the failure mechanisms in the presence of the electromagnetic field. Mathematically speaking, to study the interaction of mechanical and electromagnetic fields in composites one has to solve a coupled system of equations of motion, Maxwell’s electrodynamic equations, and heat transfer equations. Within this framework we have developed a mathematical model to study the response of carbon fiber polymer matrix composite plates to the applied electric current and mechanical loads. A particular emphasis has been placed on the investigation of coupling between electromagnetic, mechanical and associated thermal loads and analysis of the stresses and deformation caused by coupled loads.