Flaw detection and redesign of aluminum conductors

What was the challenge or problem to solve?

The objective of this study was to analyze the type of fracture of aluminum and copper metallic conductors after completing their life tests, and how the applied stresses affect them in order to select and make them more robust.

Flaw detection and redesign of aluminum conductors

How was it addressed or what was the solution?

An analysis of the failure mechanisms of the broken conductors was performed by fractography with a Nikon metallographic microscope, identifying fragile, ductile and fatigue fractures.

All failure modes were validated with a universal testing machine according to IEC 60851-3:2009, reproducing in the laboratory the real operating conditions of the conductors.

Challenge

Identification of the causes of the breakdown of conductors in real service conditions.
Design of adapted experiments for the validation of the hypotheses of the causes of failure.
Quantification of the mechanical resistance limits of the conductors in operation.

Solution

Analysis by fractography on a microscopic scale of broken conductors.
Laboratory reproduction of the failure mechanisms identified in the real samples.