Numerical analysis of ACSR conductor-clamp systems undergoing wind-induced cyclic loads

Abstract

Abstract—Submitted to wind induced vibrations, overhead conductors are vulnerable to fatigue damage, especially at restraining fixtures such as the suspension clamp. This paper proposes an efficient finite element modeling approach providing a full 3D representation of both the conductor and suspension clamp. Validation based on experimental data shows the precision of the approach. An in-depth model response analysis also demonstrates its ability to describe inter-wire and conductor-clamp contact interactions. Finally, a study of conductor stress distributions reveals that in critical regions, conductor wires mostly sustain alternating bending loads.