Practical characterisation of the piezo electric properties of a 3K T300 carbon fibre for impact sensoring

This paper discusses the results obtained during the practical characterization of the piezo electric properties of a commonly used carbon fibre. The aim of the investigation was to prepare the grounds for the feasibility of a low cost impact sensor that could be included in any carbon fibre structure (megalithic or thin structure) without interfering the integrity of the actual structure itself. The entire measurement loop as well as the techniques of connectivity of the fibres to the loop is described within. The piezo electric effects and all factors which affect the measurements are reflected in the analysis. The results obtained shown that in normal laboratory conditions the piezo-electric response of a T300 carbon fibre is consistent and directly proportional to the impact applied to the fibre.