An Experimental Evaluation of Conductor Aeolian Fatigue Damage Mitigation by Amplitude Reduction

This paper reports on an effort to mechanically reproduce aeolian vibration in the laboratory for the purpose of evaluating the effects of vibration amplitude reduction on conductor fatigue life. Study parameters were developed using transmission line design criteria, service history, projected service requirements,, and field motion measurements. Three different ACSR conductors were vibrated in a series of 33 tests until a predetermined level of damage occurred, with the ensuing vibration allowed to continue at a reduced amplitude. Study results indicate amplitude reduction can significantly extend conductor fatigue life. Electric utilities can use the results generated in this investigation in assessing fatigue life of minimally damaged transmission lines and in evaluating techniques for fatigue mitigation.