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Mechanical conductor deformation during installation – Conductors under combined tensile and bending load
Combined tensile and bending loads in overhead line conductors cause the loosening of outer layers during installation. Mechanical analysis based on non-linear simulations and experiments will be used to explore the underlying causes.
The installation of electrical overhead line conductors is often a challenge, in particular for new conductor types used mainly for the uprating of existing lines. Residual stresses from the manufacturing process and geometric settling lead to an almost immediately non-linear mechanical response and cannot be neglected.
The loosening of outer layers, so-called bird caging, caused by the plastic deformation of the conductor on drums and pulleys, is one of the major concerns in all installations, yet the underlying causes are barely understood.
Non-linear simulations involving different geometries and materials will be used to describe the effect of conductor bending on the mechanical response. Such simulations are challenging and operate at the limits of current commercial finite element software. The results will hence be validated in a purpose-built experiment, using full conductors in an arrangement similar to the simulation.
The student will be given the opportunity to visit one of the leading European conductor manufacturers, including a guided tour through the production site.
How you profit:
- Practical experience with challenging simulations, learning the benefits and limitations of finite elements
- Validation of simulations and design of experiments
- Industry contacts: A visit to one of the leading European conductor manufacturers, including a tour through the production site, will be sponsored
The installation of electrical overhead line conductors is often a challenge, in particular for new conductor types used mainly for the uprating of existing lines. Residual stresses from the manufacturing process and geometric settling lead to an almost immediately non-linear mechanical response and cannot be neglected. The loosening of outer layers, so-called bird caging, caused by the plastic deformation of the conductor on drums and pulleys, is one of the major concerns in all installations, yet the underlying causes are barely understood. Non-linear simulations involving different geometries and materials will be used to describe the effect of conductor bending on the mechanical response. Such simulations are challenging and operate at the limits of current commercial finite element software. The results will hence be validated in a purpose-built experiment, using full conductors in an arrangement similar to the simulation. The student will be given the opportunity to visit one of the leading European conductor manufacturers, including a guided tour through the production site.
How you profit:
- Practical experience with challenging simulations, learning the benefits and limitations of finite elements - Validation of simulations and design of experiments - Industry contacts: A visit to one of the leading European conductor manufacturers, including a tour through the production site, will be sponsored
- FE simulations (no prior experience required)
- Design and execution of experiments for validation (e.g. strain measurement during conductor bending)
- FE simulations (no prior experience required) - Design and execution of experiments for validation (e.g. strain measurement during conductor bending)