Electro-thermal coupling behavior and temperature distribution of 3-D braided composite under direct current

Temperature rise and distribution from Joule heat are important for multifunctional application of carbon fiber reinforced composite. Here we studied the electro-thermal coupling behavior of 3-D braided composite under direct current. The temperature from Joule heat reduced electric resistance and contact resistance in the composite. The reduction range depends on temperature effect on electrical conductivity. We also developed a finite element analysis (FEA) model to show temperature distribution in the composite applied with a current density of 32 kA m(-2). The temperature of two ends of the composite sample decreased to lower values of the center region. The Joule heat generated from the electric resistance of carbon fiber tows contributes to the large amount of temperature rise. The Joule heat generated from the contact resistance leads to non-uniform temperature distribution.