FRETTING PATTERNS IN A CONDUCTOR–CLAMP CONTACT ZONE

Abstract

Abstract— Cyclic bending fatigue tests have been performed on a typical electrical conductor held by a suspension clamp. Surface damage of the aluminium wire has been induced during short duration tests. Various degradation zones have been characterized between wire layers and the clamp. Metallographic examination has shown that two process zones are critical with respect to fretting crack nucleation. Fatigue tests at different bending amplitudes have shown that the wire breaks in these critical zones.