Electrical Mechanical and Structural Engineering working together
Using ADINA to calculate the electromagnetic force between elements as a function of the electric currents and the distance between elements.
The UK, US and beyond distribute High Voltage Electrical Power through high-tension power lines.
Did you know, these systems need to be designed to account for short circuit-induced electro-mechanical loadings, typically per IEC 60865-1?
There are two methods commonly used to analyse substation structures:
- The simplified method according to IEC865-1
- The advanced method with simulation software (i.e. using FEA).
It is found that for flexible cable conductor systems with short-circuit loadings, if the conductor’s initial sag is larger than 4% of the span length, the simplified method will lead to non-conservative results in terms of cable tension and therefore the advanced method with simulation must be used.
Using ADINA software
Fortunately, this is a simple but very powerful method in ADINA. The short-circuit load in ADINA where you specify the amount of electrical current going through elements (conductors) and ADINA works out automatically the electromagnetic force between elements as a function of the electric currents and the distance (power 2) between elements.
In the below image, we show 2 conductors with power flowing through them, in relatively close proximity, but not touching. They are fixed at either end and bend away from each other due to electromagnetic forces calculated by ADINA. Note the time based history and saturation.
We use all the top technology which includes ADINA, but this is a great case where Structural Engineering with STAAD, can be linked with ADINA to ensure this complex and dynamic issue is dealt with correctly and safely.
If you would like to take advantage of our Advanced Engineering capabilities, get in touch with us.
