Combined detachable joints for textile reinforced thermoplastic composites with embedded sensor networks

摘要

In regard to the realization of innovative lightweight constructions, textile reinforced composites show outstanding mechanical properties, i.e. adjustable high specific stiffness and strengths. Furthermore, these materials enable a process immanent integration of functional elements (e.g. conductors, sensors, actuators or electronic components) directly into the composite structure due to their layered built up. Currently, no joining technologies for such function integrative composite parts exists, which enable a simultaneous mechanical and electrical load transfer from part to part by only one joining element type. Therefore, the paper focuses on detachable functional interfaces, which enable the mechanical connection of two join partners and the transfer of electrical signals by contacting the composite embedded conductors. Investigations in regard to the selection of suitable joining elements and their behavior under mechanical load are performed. The investigations show that the electrical resistances are low and not affected significantly by rising tensile loads or repetitive joining operations. Tensile tests using both single lap shear and double lap shear specimens show that the electrical contact almost exists until the mechanical failure of the joints occurs.