GRP laminates and their use in heavy electrical engineering

Strong electromagnetic fields exist in the region of the windings of large electrical machines. The structure which supports the windings must be capable of taking overloads arising from abnormal operating conditions. Glass fibre reinforced plastics (GRP) are nonmagnetic, electrically insulating and have high mechanical strengths over a wide range of temperature. Insulating components for supporting the coils in large electrical machines are complicated in shape and are in general only required in small quantities. Machining from GRP laminates is therefore an economical means of manufacture. This paper describes important characteristics of a new range of laminates and pays particular attention to the long-term mechanical properties.