Monitoring Crack Growth along the Interface in a Microdroplet Specimen using Non-Invasive Carbon Nanotube Sensors

Abstract

Crack onset and propagation along the fiber-matrix interface in an S-Glass/Epoxy microdroplet specimen is studied under quasi static loading. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are deposited on to the surface of glass fibers using electrophoretic deposition method to create nonintrusive nanoscale interface sensor for crack detection. Based on the experimental loaddeformation response and electrical resistance of the CNT sensor, the initiation and propagation of the crack through the interfacial region is determined. Crack initiates in the interfacial region near the loading end and grows around the fiber circumference followed by unstable crack growth along the interface. The sensor provides an accurate determination of load at initiation for interface failure.