The key parameters of the in-situ consolidation of carbon fibre reinforced poly-ether-etherketone (AS4-CF/PEEK) by automated tape placement (ATP) process were investigated by manufacturing of continuous rings and by laying tape onto pre-consolidated laminates. In order to establish and understand correlations between the process parameters and mechanical properties, a number of parametric studies were performed by manufacturing and testing the interlaminar shear strength, single lap shear strength and fracture toughness samples. The main process parameters investigated were the compaction force, tape laying speed and tool temperature. To achieve a uniform heat distribution across the thermoplastic tape, a new nozzle was designed. Baseline samples were also manufactured using the autoclave process to provide a comparison for the ATP composites produced. Optical microscopy was used for investigating the microstructure of composites compared.
The various methods of self-sensing and self-healing developed within the Composite Systems Innovation Centre, University of Sheffield, are reviewed. Damage sensing using electrical resistance in carbon fibre reinforced composite or using the fibres as optical sensing elements in glass fibre reinforced composite is demonstrated. Amelioration of low level damage is demonstrated in both monolithic composite materials and sandwich structures using direct chemical reactions within the matrix without the use of encapsulants. These reactions can be activated by resistive heating of the material itself. The use of a combination of these techniques could create a truly smart structure able to both sense and repair damage and degradation.
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