Online Poling of Thermoplastic-Compatible Piezoceramic Modules during the Manufacturing Process of Active Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Abstract

Due to high specific properties and the ability for the realisation of short cycle times within the production process, the use of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites offers a high potential for high volume applications. Furthermore, the layered built-up and the according manufacturing processes of these materials give the possibility to integrate functional elements, like electronic components or piezoelectric sensor/actuator modules. Within the collaborative research center CRC/TRR 39 “Production Technologies for light metal and fiber-reinforced composite-based components with integrated piezoceramic Sensors and Actuators”, the integration of piezoceramic modules into lightweight structures ready for series production is investigated. This paper presents the manufacturing process of active fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites. Here, the focus is on experimental investigations covering the process-integrated poling of novel piezoceramic modules during the manufacturing of active fiber-reinforced thermoplastic components. Therefore, laboratory and process-oriented tests are performed for the determination of appropriate parameters for the pressing and poling process. The functionality of the embedded and poled TPM is validated by the excitation of an active component structure and the optical measurement of the vibration behaviour using a laser scanning vibrometer.