Project Description: Carbon fibre composite materials are finding ever increasing use in high performance structural applications due to the unique combination of material strength, and low weight, they provide. Aerospace and space applications in particular represent sectors that have traditionally utilised carbon fibre extensively, and will continue to do so moving forward. One aspect that is of increasing interest is the concept of utilising a "smart structure" or "smart material", i.e. a material or structure capable of transmitting data in some form, without the need for extensive wiring (which can add unwarranted weight). Carbon fibre itself is known to conduct electricity, and research conducted within the University of Strathclyde, has shown that carbon-fibre reinforced composites can also conduct extensively although there is a limit to the amount of current that can be placed through the material without damaging it.

The fibre-matrix interface represents a critical area within composite materials, as it covers the ability of the fibres to transfer stresses to the polymer matrix (and vice-versa). No research has ever been conducted into the effect of exposing a carbon fibre interface sample repeatedly to different electric current levels to gauge potential damage or fatigue. This project will work in partnership with the Electronic & Electrical Engineering (EEE) department within Strathclyde to conduct an experimental investigation into this area for the first time. The project will be heavily experimental, and will be supported by a PhD student based within the Advanced Composites Group (ACG).

Project objectives: The key aims/objectives for the project will be as follows:

(i) Conduct a literature review to establish the effects of running electrical currents has on the material properties of carbon fibre-reinforced composite materials.

(ii) Manufacture single fibre interface samples for use in the microbond test within the ACG lab.

(iii) In collaboration with the EEE department, design a technique to expose the microbond samples to different levels of electric current.

(iv) Conduct microbond of said samples to characterise the effect on the stress transfer capability of the resulting interface.

(v) Conduct microscopic analysis of samples prior to, and after training, to establish the effect of electrical current exposure, as well as the resulting failure mechanics of the tested samples.