The influence of localized mechanical stresses on the non-homogeneous distribution of electrical conductivity
ISSN: 0332-1649
Article publication date: 7 November 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the physical design parameters that influence the total resistance of a twisted conductor (cable). One of the physical parameters characterizing this type of structures is the uneven distribution of resistivity due to hardening, which is the result of stress exerted on the wires during the manufacturing process.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have developed a method to take into account the effect of localized hardening on the inhomogeneous distribution of electrical conductivity in the distorted structures of the conductor. To achieve this goal, the authors have implemented a mechanical-electrical simulation method. The resistance characteristics have been measured as a function of mechanical stress.
Findings
As demonstrated by the results of measurements conducted on various samples and with various cable design parameters, the resistance of a given material (copper or aluminum), expressed as a function of stress, does not depend on the type of force applied. Therefore, the same characteristics may be applied to various cable designs.
Practical implications
The method presented in this paper enables more detailed investigation of the influence of particular design parameters on the total resistance of a cable. It also provides the ability to determine optimal settings of design parameters.
Originality/value
The approach is distinct from similar studies because it takes into account the deformed geometry of the conductor and the uneven distribution of the resistivity within a filament. In the literature, it is sometimes stated that the distribution of resistivity in a compacted cable is uneven, but its measurement is deemed impossible. This paper provides a method for determining such a distribution.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the company Nexans for making it possible to carry out measurements and for the preparation of a large variety of samples.
Citation
Napieralska-Juszczak, E., Napieralski, P., Komeza, K. and Zeroukhi, Y. (2016), "The influence of localized mechanical stresses on the non-homogeneous distribution of electrical conductivity", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 35 No. 6, pp. 1983-1995. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-02-2016-0060
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited