Methodology to Evaluate the Electromechanical Effects of Electromagnetic Forces on Conductive Materials in Transformer Windings Using the Von Mises and Fatigue Criteria

A methodology based on computer simulations and aiming to estimate the lifespan of transformer windings after the occurrence of short circuits is presented in this paper. The Von Mises and fatigue criteria are employed to determine the failure proximity of the windings. The obtained results contribute to the evaluation of the influence of electromechanical effects in transformer windings and to the determination of the number of short circuits that a transformer winding can support. The simulation results may also be employed in the design of transformers and failure diagnosis, to increase the security margin against mechanical failures.