This paper investigates the self-sensing properties of continuous carbon fibre reinforced, 3D-printed beams as a function of the number of reinforced perimeters.
Samples containing various amounts of fibre reinforced perimeters have been tested for their stiffness and strain-dependent resistance using three-point-bending tests. The mechanical properties can be modelled successfully using classical beam theory and the resistance of the printed part can be estimated using the resistance of the unprinted fibre. Large resistance changes have been measured during bending tests, which results in overall high sensitivity.
More research is required to determine a conclusive relationship between the number of reinforcement fibres and the sensitivity.