Electromechanical testing involving simultaneous electrical and mechanical measurements under load was used to study the fiber-matrix interface, the fiber residual compressive stress, and the degree of marcelling (fiber waviness) in carbon fiber composites. The interface study involved single fiber pull-out testing while the fiber-matrix contact electrical resistivity was measured. The residual stress study involved measuring the electrical resistance of a single fiber embedded in the matrix while the fiber was subjected to tension through its exposed ends. The marcelling study involved measuring the electrical resistance of a composite in the through-thickness direction while tension within the elastic regime was applied in the fiber direction.
Transverse failure of carbon fiber composites: Analytical sensitivity to the distribution of fiber/matrix interface properties