Matrix Crack Detection of CFRP Laminates in Cryogenic Temperature Using Electrical Resistance Change Method

For a cryogenic fuel tank of a next generation rocket, a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) laminated composite tank is one of the key technologies. For the fuel tank made from the laminated composites, matrix cracks are significant problems that cause leak of the fuel. In the present paper, electrical resistance change method is adopted to monitor the matrix cracking of the CFRP laminate. Previous studies show that tension load in fiber direction causes electrical resistance increase due to the piezoresistivity of the carbon fibers, and fiber breakages also cause the electrical resistance increase of the CFRP laminates. In order to distinguish the electrical resistance changes due to matrix cracking from those due to the piezoresistivity and the fiber breakages, residual electrical resistance change under the complete unloading condition is employed in the present study. Experimental investigations were performed using cross-ply laminates in cryogenic temperature. As a result, it can be revealed that the residual electrical resistance change is a useful indicator for matrix crack monitoring of the cross-ply CFRP laminates.