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An investigation of the interfacial characteristics of nitinol fibers in a thermoset composite

A heightened interest in intelligent material systems has occurred in recent years due to their remarkable adaptive abilities. Intelligent materials systems, which contain sensors and actuators coupled by means of active control, frequently utilize composite materials as the skeletal structure. In order for composite materials to be utilized in intelligent material systems to their utmost capability, many material properties, including the interfacial shear strength between the embedded sensor or actuator and the matrix must be thoroughly understood..

Investigations were performed in order to examine the effects of different variables on the interfacial characteristics between a nitinol fiber and a composite matrix. First, rough, clean fiber surfaces were found to provide the best adhesion to the matrix due to the mechanical interaction of the matrix with the rough surface finish. Second, it was determined that the interfacial shear strength is not dependent upon embedded fiber length. Third, a very small diameter fiber will break before pulling out of the matrix, but overall, large fibers have a greater interfacial strength. Fourth, it was found that the initial prestrain on the fiber during processing had no effect on the interfacial shear strength of the fiber to the matrix. Fifth, it was determined that fatigue does not degrade the shear strength of any of the different initial pres trains. Finally, it was found that a coating that does not adhere well to the fiber neither macroscopically degrades nor enhances interfacial strength. / Master of Science

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/46463
Date30 December 2008
CreatorsJones, Wendy Michele
ContributorsMechanical Engineering, Rogers, Craig A., Knight, Charles E., West, Robert L. Jr.
PublisherVirginia Tech
Source SetsVirginia Tech Theses and Dissertation
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis, Text
Formatxiv, 128 leaves, BTD, application/pdf, application/pdf
RightsIn Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
RelationOCLC# 25119497, LD5655.V855_1991.J666.pdf

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