Micro-CT analysis of deviations in fiber orientation and composite stiffness near the microvascular channels embedded in glass-fiber reinforced composites. (1st April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sabuncuoglu, Baris; Tanabi, Hamed; Soete, Jeroen; Lomov, Stepan V.
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 237(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04-01
• Subjects: Micro-CT analysis -- Fiber orientation -- Microvascular channels -- Microstructure; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.111896
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: Microvascular channels, embedded in fiber-reinforced composites are introduced as an efficient tool for internal damage monitoring, self-healing, and thermal management applications. As an adverse effect, vascular channels cause a disturbance in the fibers around the channel region. In this study, first, the fiber orientation around the channel is evaluated using micro-CT images analyzed with VoxTex software. Variation in the stiffness around the channels is determined using micro-homogenization. The results revealed orientation disturbance in the out-of-plane direction with a maximum of about 6°. The micro-channel affected the nearby local stiffness as well, reducing it by up to 19%.