Electrothermics

5.1. Introduction

Since ancient times, materials were classified into two categories: structural materials, used mostly for their mechanical properties (housing, weapons, etc.), and functional materials, of which we effectively expect a function resulting from their other intrinsic properties (transparency, electrical conduction, inalterability, etc.). A few decades ago, it was the material that decided the use, and technological items were designed on the basis of the characteristics of available materials. As time went on, the situation reversed itself and today’s design engineers demand access to functions, evidently more complex, that materials must simultaneously ensure [LAM 85, GAM 90]. This leads to the notion of multifunctional materials and, as seen in nature, leads by the association of various materials to composite materials.

Composite materials always benefit from scientific and technical progress in terms of mechanical and physicochemical properties increased stability and lower cost. Their use is an increasingly important component in industrial competition [ILC 03]. Thus, the production of composite materials increases by about 5% a year around the world.

Composite materials consist of plastic matter and fiber reinforcements (usually glass or carbon). Although they are more costly than traditional materials, they offer important advantages to users, such as lightness or resistance. These advantages have opened up large markets in automotive and aeronautical construction ...