The electrification of transport is accelerating worldwide and the demand for higher levels of performance is constantly growing with new sectors being added (e.g. heavy and leisure vehicles). Combined with the challenges of mass production, reliability issues are taking on a new dimension and are of greater concern to the industry where safety is crucial. In this context, electric drive systems are particularly concerned, especially in terms of the reliability of high voltage cables. Due to the vibrations induced during operation, cables are subject to cyclic loading that can, in the long term, damage their internal structure and thus compromise their integrity. It is therefore essential to understand and accurately assess the risk of fatigue failure of these cables. However, this is a poorly documented topic and there are currently no tools to assess cable damage.
This research project, in partnership with Dana-TM4, aims to develop numerical models that will allow detailed estimation of vibration damage. Ultimately, the work will lead to advanced analysis solutions that will allow a complete characterisation of the stress conditions of cables leading to their damage.
The knowledge gained from these tools will help manufacturers such as Dana-TM4 to improve their reliability designs, while meeting the new performance requirements of the industry. The results of this project will help maintain the leadership position of Quebec companies in the field of transportation electrification.