Self-sensing of Damage in Carbon Fiber Polymer–Matrix Composite Cylinder by Electrical Resistance Measurement

Self-sensing of damage, as attained by electrical resistance measurement, was found to be effective in a carbon fiber polymer–matrix composite cylinder made by filament winding. Resistance was measured in the axial, radial, oblique, and circumferential directions by using circumferential or axial electrical contacts on the outer and/or inner surfaces of the cylinder. Minor damage upon drop impact at 10 J or below caused the radial resistance to decrease irreversibly, whereas major damage upon drop impact above 10 J caused the radial, oblique, and axial resistances to increase irreversibly. The circumferential resistance ratio (ratio of the circumferential resistance of a damaged area to that away from the damaged area) was most sensitive, increasing monotonically with impact energy >1.4 J.