TY  - EJOU
AU  - Kumosa, M. 

TI  - Structural Integrity and Durability of High Voltage Composite (Non-Ceramic) Insulators
T2  - Structural Durability \& Health Monitoring

PY  - 2007
VL  - 3
IS  - 1
SN  - 1930-2991

AB  - This paper deals with the structural integrity and durability of suspension composite (non-ceramic, polymer) insulators widely used in power transmission systems around the world. Under certain conditions, the insulators can fail in-service both electrically and mechanically resulting in the drop of energized transmission lines and power outages. In this work, predominantly mechanical failures of the insulators are discussed. In particular, the most important characteristics of a catastrophic failure process called brittle fracture are described. Subsequently, two examples of insulator failures by brittle fracture are shown and their causes explained. Finally, several recommendations on how to avoid brittle fracture as well as other mechanical and electrical failures of the insulators are presented.
KW  - Composite (non-ceramic
KW  -  polymer
KW  -  polymeric) insulators
KW  -  damage mechanisms
KW  -  brittle fracture
KW  -  structural integrity
KW  -  durability
KW  -  failure prevention

DO  - 10.3970/sdhm.2007.003.035