Self-healing sandwich panels: Restoration of compressive strength after impact

H. R. Williams, R. S. Trask, I. P. Bond

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

171 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Impact damage can significantly reduce the strength of composite sandwich panels, giving rise to large factors of safety in design. A self-healing sandwich panel was designed and manufactured. Specimens were tested in edgewise compression-after-impact to prove the concept. The self-healing system consists of vascular networks carrying the two liquid components of an epoxy resin system. After damage and autonomous self-healing, the specimens could be restored to their undamaged strength. Key influences on healing efficiency, and the need for further improvements in reliability were identified. A simple specific strength analysis suggested that the mass penalty of self-healing could, in some cases, be offset by the improved design allowables permitted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3171-3177
Number of pages7
JournalComposites Science and Technology
Volume68
Issue number15-16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2008

Keywords

  • A. Smart materials
  • B. Impact behaviour
  • B. Strength
  • C. Sandwich
  • Vascular self-repair

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering
  • Ceramics and Composites

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