Numerical Investigation on Crack Detection Technique for Electric Connector with Joule Heating Effect

Abstract

Using the electro-thermo-structural coupled-field finite element analysis, the crack detection technique with the Joule heating effect for the electric connector is studied and discussed. The physical behavior of the electric connector with an edge crack is investigated numerically. The electric current density, Joule heating temperature and structural deformation are obtained. As a result, the electric current concentration and Joule heating effect can induce a local hot spot or hot band region around the crack tip. Furthermore, the crack tip location can be determined according to the temperature distribution. For the accurate crack detection, two better electric loading conditions are found as follows: (a) shorter electric operating time (tp), (b) larger electric current (I0). The optimal condition , I0 = 100 A and tp = 0.001 s, is found for this crack detection research.