Influence of bonding layer on effective electromechanical properties of macro-fiber composites (MFCs)

An analytical model based on an equivalent layered approach using iso-field assumptions is proposed to find the effect of bonding layers on the effective properties of macro-fiber composites (MFCs). To account for the interdigitated electrode pattern and geometric (shape and position) properties, a finite element analysis is carried out using the representative volume element (RVE) method. The simulated results based on the proposed analytical and numerical models are compared and validated with the data available from the manufacturer and a mixing rules model available in the literature. Experiments are performed on MFCs under pure electrical loading to measure a few coupling constants and the results are compared with simulated results. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the variations of the overall material behavior of MFCs with respect to bonding layer thickness. The present study examines the influence of bonding the layer on the effective properties of MFCs. (paper)