Abstract
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.
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