Electromechanical study of carbon fiber composites

Electromechanical testing involving simultaneous electrical and mechanical measurements under load was used to study the fiber-matrix interface, fiber residual stress and marcelling (fiber waviness) in carbon fiber composites. The interface study involved single fiber pull-out while the fiber-matrix contact resistivity was measured. The residual stress study involved measuring the resistance of a single fiber embedded in the matrix while the fiber was tensioned at its exposed ends. The marcelling study involved measuring the resistance of a composite in the through-thickness direction while tension was applied in the fiber direction.