This paper presents experimental testing of samples from two unidirectional Carbon Fibre Composite (CFC) panels to determine the factors that influence the electrical properties of CFCs and to also determine the temperature coefficient of resistance. The CFC panels were manufactured by two different techniques to compare the impact of the manufacturing process on the electrical properties. Various electrical conductivity measurement methods were evaluated to determine the most consistent and accurate technique. The influence of sample geometry on the measured electrical conductivity was also investigated. Thermal imaging was used to image resistive losses and illustrate the current paths through the fibres within the CFC test samples. Finally, the effects of increasing temperature on the CFC samples are presented, illustrating that CFCs have a negative temperature coefficient .

This study investigates the possibility of electromagnetic heating of carbon fibre composites (CFCs) to the resin curing temperature, utilising Joule heating, with the main potential application being the on‐site and in‐situ repair of damaged CFCs. The study describes the energy conversion from the supplied AC electrical current to the power generated and hence, heat produced in a CFC. This is investigated through the development of three‐dimensional (3D) finite‐element multiphysics models using a homogenous representation approach, which can represent single‐ and multi‐layer CFC lay‐ups. An experimental test‐rig is used to validate the 3D finite‐element models for both unidirectional and quasi‐isotropic CFCs. Both the numerical simulations and experimental results are in good agreement. The presented results show that electromagnetic induced Joule heating can be used to achieve resin curing temperatures in CFCs for potential applications such as in‐situ repair.

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