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Evaluation of an Indirect Heating Method for Self-Healing in Shape Memory Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Abstract
Materials researchers have made significant efforts to develop materials capable of mending cracks via the ingenious application of self-healing and shape memory properties. The development of self-healing and shape memory processes rely heavily on the trigger mechanisms for achieving them. Existing trigger mechanisms for self-healing often depend on the inclusion of foreign material, which is responsive to a particular stimulus of interest, such as electricity. These inclusions often negatively impact overall material composition, properties, and performance in diverse ways. In this study, effort is made to explore the potential for using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) as a trigger for shape memory effect and selfhealing of a fiber-reinforced thermosetting polymer composite. The objectives of the study were achieved via a Finite Element simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics. Simulation results showed that a temperature rise of up to 3.6K was obtained at the outer surface of the embedded fiber after 2 seconds with only 1 second of the insonation of an 8mm thick composite model while a temperature rise of up to 2.4K was obtained within the fibers. The onset of the heating was in the regions of highest power dissipation at the matrix-fiber interfaces along the sound propagation path. Subsequent heating of the embedded fibers was primarily via conventional thermal conduction from the interface into the fiber material. These results help provide a better understanding of the acoustic and thermal effects of ultrasound on fiberreinforced composites.
DOI
10.12783/asc35/34917
10.12783/asc35/34917