| Recently the inefficiency and lack of capabilities of electric energy transmission have been put in the global spotlight; a transmission line design known as the Aluminum Conducting Composite Core Trapezoidal Wire (ACCC/TW(TM)) attempts to eliminate the deficiencies. The ACCC core is comprised of a new hybrid composite material. The most probable causes of short-term damage to the ACCC core were investigated through a series of finite element models. It was found that excessive bending was the most likely cause of short-term damage to the core. During bending of the ACCC core, stresses are concentrated at the interface in the carbon fiber composite region. The composite materials' compressive strength was measured, and found to be significantly lower than similar composite materials based upon the same reinforcing fiber. An excessive bending finite element model was experimentally validated through a series of four point bend experiments in which acoustic emissions were monitored. From this work, it has been determined the extent to which the ACCC core can be bent without creating significant damage. |
