Structural Health Monitoring of the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy/MWCNTS Composites under Vibration Loading, Using Electrical Resistance Change Method

Abstract

This work aims to investigate the structural deterioration of the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy (CFRE) composite under vibration loading by monitoring the variation of the electrical resistance of the composite. The vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding process is used to fabricate the CFRE composites. Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) (0.5% wt) are added to the non-conductive resin to increase its electrical conductivity before CFRE fabrication. The tests were carried out by monitoring the variation in electrical resistance of the CFRE composite at 90 Hz frequency vibration loading. The dispersion of MWCNTs into the matrix and the damage of CFRE composite are illustrated by the SEM images. The results show that the electrical resistance change can be considered as a good indication to detect damage in CFRE (modified with 0.5 wt % MWCNTs) under vibration loading.