Fiber random contact model for evaluating electrical resistance variation of carbon fiber composites under various damage modes

Abstract The variations in electrical resistance of carbon fiber composites under different damage modes are critical for the design of electrically conductive components. Here, we developed a fiber random contact model to analyze the changes in electrical resistance of carbon fiber composites subjected to various damage scenarios. An ideal rectangular grid was constructed in matrix form utilizing the nodal voltage and current method. The electrical resistance of each fiber branch was calculated based on the normal distribution of fiber orientation angles. To simulate the random distribution of contact branches among fiber contact points within the resistor network, contact branches were randomly removed from the ideal rectangular grid. The electric conductive properties of carbon fiber tows, unidirectional carbon fiber composites, and 3D woven carbon fiber composites were measured to validate the fiber random contact model. The findings are anticipated to contribute to the optimization of carbon fiber composites for electrical applications. Highlights Fiber random lap model for evaluating electrical behavior was developed. The conductive behaviors of the composites were measured. Electrical resistance variation under various damages was investigated.