Sébastien Lalonde

Numerical Analysis of ACSR Conductor–Clamp Systems Undergoing Wind-Induced Cyclic Loads

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 3-D 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.