A Two-Dimensional Piezoresistivity Model for Anisotropic Materials and its Application in Self-Sensing of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics

This thesis works on the topic of fiber-reinforced plastics and discusses the measurement of strain with embedded sensors. Embedding sensors into a structure fundamentally poses challenges arising from the differences in mechanical properties of sensor and structure. This thesis works on the research area of Self-Sensing, where these challenges are overcome by using carbon fibers for both load-carrying and strain-sensing functions. Starting with a literature review, this thesis proposes three research hypotheses, which are targeted to describe the Self-Sensing properties of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) for strain measurements. These hypotheses assume, that the electric anisotropy of the material results in a complex voltage distribution within a Self-Sensing specimen. In order to discuss this point further, a two-dimensional piezoresistivity model based on the Laplace equation is introduced. The developed model newly allows to quantify the electricpotential changes in specimens with arbitrary geometrical dimensions and electric anisotropy.
Furthermore, this thesis discusses a set of experimental results on the piezoresistive properties of unidirectional CFRP made with the pultrusion process. Overall, the results of the experiments indicate that the most repeatable results are obtained for specimens with electric contacts at their cut-end. This approach allows to manufacture Self-Strain-Sensing rods with a gauge factor of approximately 1.9 that can be used in a multifunctional manner for both load-carrying and strain-sensing purposes. Furthermore, a novel measurement setup is developed, which allows to acquire the electric potential distribution on the surface of electrical conductors with very high spacial resolution. This experimental setup newly reveals that the current flow in specimens can be more complex than assumed in a two-dimensional model.

Provides a comprehensive review of the rapidly expanding field of Self-Sensing using piezoresistive properties of CFRPs Includes in-depth discussions on the electrical current flow in anisotropic conductors such as CFRP Introduces a novel measurement approach for the in-depth study of the current flow in CFRP and other materials

Auteur
Patrick Scholle received his doctorate degree from the Technische Universitaet Braunschweig working on Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRPs). During this time, he worked on different projects where he developed novel manufacturing techniques for FRPs and analyzed extensively the electrical properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics, publishing a total of five peer reviewed articles on these subjects (ORCiD-ID:0000-0003-4476-6983). Before joining the Technische Universitaet Braunschweig for his PhD studies, he finished an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic and obtained his Bachelors degree from the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrueck. Afterwards, he pursued his Masters degree at the Technische Universitaet Braunschweig which included a semester as a visiting researcher at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, to conduct research for his masters thesis.

Contenu

1. Introduction.- 2. State of the Art of Embedded Strain Sensors for Fiber Reinforced Plastics.- 3. Electrical Homogeneity and Fiber Waviness: Predominant Factors for Self-Strain-Sensing Carbon Fiber Structures A Literature Study.- 4. Concerning the Influence of Current Inhomogeneity on Self-Strain-Sensing Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics.- 5. Direct Measurement of the Potential Distribution on Conducting Surfaces.- 6. Implementation Aspects of Self-Strain-Sensing Carbon Fiber Rods.- 7. Summary Conclusions and Outlook.