Fracture Detection Function of the Composite of Glass Fiber, Plastics and Carbon Powder

Abstract

Carbon powders (CP) and carbon fiber (CF) were introduced into glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) composites to obtain fracture detection function. The specimens were evaluated through the relation between a load-displacement curve and an electrical resistance change curve in three point bending test. CP containing GFRP (CPGFRP) has a sensitivity of electrical resistance change at much lower load level than CF containing GFRP (CPGFRP). In loading/unloading tests, CPGFRP showed a large amount of residual electrical resistance which enables the estimation of loading hysteresis.