Crashworthiness of microvascular fiber-reinforced composites

S. J. Pety, Nancy R Sottos, Scott R White

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

Abstract

Microchannels can provide fiber-reinforced composites with many functions such as self-healing and thermal management. However, microchannels have the potential to disrupt composite structural integrity. Here we demonstrate for the first time that microchannels can be incorporated in a carbon fiber composite without decreasing crashworthiness. Corrugated panels were manufactured containing 400 μm microchannels at a channel volume fraction of 5%. Channels were sequestered within non-load-bearing plies to reduce their impact on mechanical properties. Compression tests using a chamfer damage trigger revealed no loss in specific energy absorbed (SEA) for vascular panels vs. controls. Non-chamfered bars were also tested to demonstrate that channels can actually enhance crashworthiness by triggering stable failure. Control bars buckled when compressed while vascular samples had stable failure initiated at the channels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the American Society for Composites - 31st Technical Conference, ASC 2016
EditorsBarry D. Davidson, Michael W. Czabaj, James G. Ratcliffe
PublisherDEStech Publications Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781605953168
StatePublished - 2016
Event31st Annual Technical Conference of the American Society for Composites, ASC 2016 - Williamsburg, United States
Duration: Sep 19 2016Sep 21 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of the American Society for Composites - 31st Technical Conference, ASC 2016

Other

Other31st Annual Technical Conference of the American Society for Composites, ASC 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWilliamsburg
Period9/19/169/21/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites

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