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Article
Deformation processed Al/Ca nano-filamentary composite conductors for HVDC applications
Ames Laboratory Accepted Manuscripts
  • Charles Czahor, Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory
  • Iver E. Anderson, Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory
  • Trevor M. Riedemann, Ames Laboratory
  • Alan M. Russell, Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory
Publication Date
1-1-2017
Department
Ames Laboratory; Materials Science and Engineering
OSTI ID+
1464478
Report Number
IS-J 9725
DOI
10.1088/1757-899X/219/1/012014
Journal Title
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
Abstract

Efficient long-distance power transmission is necessary as the world continues to implement renewable energy sources, often sited in remote areas. Light, strong, high-conductivity materials are desirable for this application to reduce both construction and operational costs. In this study an Al/Ca (11.5% vol.) composite with nano-filamentary reinforcement was produced by powder metallurgy then extruded, swaged, and wire drawn to a maximum true strain of 12.7. The tensile strength increased exponentially as the filament size was reduced to the sub-micron level. In an effort to improve the conductor's ability to operate at elevated temperatures, the deformation-processed wires were heat-treated at 260°C to transform the Ca-reinforcing filaments to Al2Ca. Such a transformation raised the tensile strength by as much as 28%, and caused little change in ductility, while the electrical conductivity was reduced by only 1% to 3%. Al/Al2Ca composites are compared to existing conductor materials to show how implementation could affect installation and performance.

DOE Contract Number(s)
AC02-07CH11358
Language
en
Publisher
Iowa State University Digital Repository, Ames IA (United States)
Citation Information
Charles Czahor, Iver E. Anderson, Trevor M. Riedemann and Alan M. Russell. "Deformation processed Al/Ca nano-filamentary composite conductors for HVDC applications" Vol. 219 (2017) p. 012014
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/alan_russell/38/