Detection of material integrated conductors for connective riveting of function-integrative textile-reinforced thermoplastic composites
Werner A. Hufenbach, Frank Adam, Maik Gude, Ivonne Körner, Thomas Heber, Anja Winkler
Quarterly No. 2, 2011 pages 152-156
DOI:
keywords: thermoplastic composites, non-destructive testing, function integration, joining technology
abstract Due to their highly-specific mechanical properties as well as ease of design combined with economic and reproducible manufacturing processes, textile-reinforced composites based on thermoplastic matrix systems exhibit great potential for application in lightweight structures ready for mass production. Moreover, the integration of additional functional networks composed of sensors, actuators, and electric components in thermoplastic lightweight structures enables operational-dependent control and adaptation of the structural behaviour with regard to health monitoring or active vibration and noise control. For the creation of complex structures, the use of material-adapted joining techniques is necessary. This publication is a contribution to the development of material- and application-adapted rivetting technology for the joining and electrical contacting of textile-reinforced composite parts with integrated conductors. In particular, different materials and methods for the generation of conductive paths are assessed. For accurate placement of a contacting rivet, various methods for the detection and localization of the conductors after integration, are investigated. Especially X-ray technology demonstrates good performance with regard to a high volume process chain. Furthermore, the studies show the ability to use printed conductors and carbon fibres as well as conventional wires for integration in textile-reinforced composites, suitable for mass production.