Modeling of damage sensing in fiber composites using carbon nanotube networks

This paper presents the modeling of damage sensing in [0 degrees/90 degrees], cross-ply glass fiber composites using embedded carbon nanotube network. The wavy nanotubes are distributed in the polymer matrix between fibers and their contact resistances are modeled considering the electrical tunneling effect. The effective electrical resistance of the percolating nanotube network is calculated by considering nanotube matrix resistors and employing the finite element method for electrical circuits. The entire deformation process of the composite, from initial loading to final failure, is simulated by using the finite element method for two-dimensional stress analyses. The deformation and damage induced resistance change is identified in each loading step. The results demonstrate that the current simulation model captures the essential parameters affecting the electrical resistance of nanotube networks, which can serve as an efficient tool for structural health monitoring of fiber composites. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.