Effects of an Electromagnetic Field on the Mechanical Response of Composites

Abstract

The existing experimental evidence suggests that exposure of a composite material to an electromagnetic field leads to changes in the material's strength and resistance to delamination. In this work, the mechanical response of transversely isotropic graphite/epoxy composite plates in the presence of an electromagnetic field is studied. The interacting effects of the in-plane steady and slowly varying electric current, external magnetic field, and mechanical load as well as the effects of mechanical and electrical anisotropies are investigated. It is shown that an electromagnetic field may significantly enhance or reduce the deformed state of the composite plate depending on the direction of its application and its intensity.