A static finite element analysis of substation busbar structures

A dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) method has been shown in earlier research to accurately predict the mechanical response of power system substation busbar structures during short circuit faults. However, the dynamic method is computationally intensive and time consuming. A static finite element analysis is much faster than the dynamic analysis although it is not as accurate. This paper presents a procedure to scale the forces in a static FEA to provide reasonably accurate results. The proposed procedure accounts for the natural frequency and electrical damping of the busbar structure. It is hoped that the proposed method will be useful in allowing substation engineers to quickly check their preliminary design, reserving the dynamic finite element analysis for final design checkout.