Self-sensing and self-actuating CFRP structure using partially flexible composites

Keisuke Kumagai; A. Todoroki; Ryosuke Matsuzaki

doi:10.1117/12.775936

2 April 2008 Self-sensing and self-actuating CFRP structure using partially flexible composites

Keisuke Kumagai, A. Todoroki, Ryosuke Matsuzaki

Proceedings Volume 6929, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional and Composite Materials 2008; 69290S (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.775936
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

For Unmanned aerial vehicles, a morphing wing is desired to improve the maneuverability and reduce the total weight of structures. Our research group has developed a foldable composite structure for a morphing wing skin plate by using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP). The material system is called Partially Flexible Composites (PFC). In the present paper, PFC is introduced and a self-sensing system of the PFC is investigated. Since carbon fibers have electrical conductivity, damages of the PFC can be detected by monitoring electrical resistance changes of the PFC. This method is called Electrical Resistance Changes Method. An electrical resistance model of the PFC is built and a relationship of ratio of fiber fractures and electrical resistance changes is obtained. Then, to investigate the performance of the PFC, cyclic-bending tests are conducted. Damages of the PFC caused by cyclic-bending are detected by using ERCM. As a result, the PFC with more than 10mm-long flexible part has almost no damage; the stiffness of the structure remains unchanged. After that, a McKibben pneumatic artificial muscles actuator is made and it is founded that this can be applied to the PFC as an actuator. This actuator consists of a silicon rubber and a carbon fiber that are the same as the material of flexible part of the PFC. This enables us to make actuator-integrated composite structures. In the present study, the applicability of the McKibben pneumatic artificial muscles actuator is investigated.

Citation Download Citation

Keisuke Kumagai, A. Todoroki, and Ryosuke Matsuzaki "Self-sensing and self-actuating CFRP structure using partially flexible composites", Proc. SPIE 6929, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional and Composite Materials 2008, 69290S (2 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.775936

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