Finite Element Analysis of the Parameters Influencing the Failure Modes of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Cores

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is an anisotropic material with outstanding tensile strength in the axial direction but low compressive strength in the radial direction. In the process of line construction, such as wire crimping and conductor clamping, radial pressure failure and slip failure easily occur. This paper applies finite element analysis (FEA) to the parameters influencing the radial stress and displacement in a CFRP core to research the failure modes of the CFRP core. The selected parameters are the interference of the CFRP core, the friction coefficient between the core and inner wedge, and the angle of the inner wedge. The finite element method is applied to analyze a CFRP core with a self-tightening clamp to find the optimum condition parameters so that the CFRP core experiences neither slip failure nor radial pressure failure. From the study, lower interference and larger friction coefficient and angle lead to lower radial stress. The interference has the largest effect on the mitigation of radial pressure failure. For larger interference, a larger friction coefficient and angle mitigate slip failure. According to the analytic results, an interference between 0.02 mm and 0.025 mm and an angle larger than 3°, coupled with a friction coefficient larger than 0.3, best stop slip failure and radial pressure failure. INDEX TERMS CFRP core; finite element analysis; radial pressure failure; slip failure; self-tightening clamp.

Optimization of geometrical factors for enhanced performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer cores under transverse loading

“…The introduction of fiber in the matrix greatly improves its properties, and CFRP cores show promise as a potential replacement for traditional conductors. Cao et al 1 identified geometrical parameters responsible for CFRP core radial pressure failure and slip failure, which can be utilized in manufacturing standard clamps for ACCC overhead conductors.…”

“…Therefore, a comprehensive literature review has been conducted to gather all the previous research related to failure analysis of CFRP cores. Cao et al 1 utilized 3D FEM simulations in Abaqus to examine a composite core reinforced with carbon fibers that was subjected to indirect radial pressure through wedge-shaped clamps. The experimental findings confirmed the simulation results, which revealed radial matrix shear failure in the CFRP cores.…”

“…One kind of conductor in which the standard conductor’s steel core is swapped out for a composite core is high-voltage conductors made of carbon composite core. 1,2 Aluminum conductors with CFRP cores outperform traditional aluminum conductors in terms of tensile strength, working temperature, specific strength, weight, as well as corrosion resistance. The CFRP core interference, the coefficient of friction between the core and the inner wedge, and the angle of the outer wedge were the parameters that were chosen for consideration.…”