Experimental study of high electric current effects in carbon fiber polymer matrix composite

P. E. Deierling, Olesya I. Zhupanska

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Electrical and thermal responses of the carbon fiber polymer matrix composites subjected to relatively high (up to 75 A) electric currents are studied. A new fully automated experimental setup for real time measurements of the electric current, resistance, voltage, and temperature in carbon fiber polymer matrix composites has been developed. A series of electrical characterization tests on IM7/977-3 unidirectional and symmetric cross-ply composite laminates have been performed and the effects of electric current magnitude and duration, electrical resistance, and associated thermal effects have been investigated. It is determined that voltage-current relationship stays ohmic for up to 50 A DC currents, electrical resistance exhibits time-dependent behavior but is independent of temperature. It is shown that application of the electric current leads to a significant temperature gradient across the composite in the direction of the applied current and the temperature at the electrode-composite junction increases rapidly with an increase in the magnitude of the applied current. Temperature is determined to be a function of Joule heat produced in electrically conductive carbon fibers and electrical contact heat produced at composite-electrode interfaces.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication52nd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event52nd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference - Denver, CO, United States
Duration: Apr 4 2011Apr 7 2011

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
ISSN (Print)0273-4508

Other

Other52nd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, CO
Period4/4/114/7/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Architecture
  • General Materials Science
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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