Sensor integration in carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) to detect tension differences

Abstract

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) are well known for their high performance characteristics as low weight, strength, and stiffness. Nowadays they play an essential part in the automotive, mechanical, or plant engineering. Because of the two component-material (fibers and matrix), damage calculation and lifetime prediction are difficult to forecast. To diagnose the future potential of fiber composites, more detailed data have to be examined. A new monitoring system integrated inside the FRP construction can measure material wear and fatigue, as well as material load. Such recording and evaluation systems are necessary to locate precisely the critical structural changes inside the composite to reduce production and maintenance costs.