Use of Nonlinear Optics for Assessment of Cable Polymer Aging

Polymer jackets play an important protective role in distribution cabling by providing structure and resistance to moisture, heat, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Current methods of structural assessment, such as elongation at break (E-at-B), are inherently destructive. While other non-destructiv...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kaylee N. Rellaford, Dallin L. Smith, Alexander J. Farnsworth, Shane M. Drake, Hoon Lee, James E. Patterson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The Prognostics and Health Management Society 2021-07-01
Series:International Journal of Prognostics and Health Management
Subjects:
Online Access:http://papers.phmsociety.org/index.php/ijphm/article/view/2966
Description
Summary:Polymer jackets play an important protective role in distribution cabling by providing structure and resistance to moisture, heat, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Current methods of structural assessment, such as elongation at break (E-at-B), are inherently destructive. While other non-destructive methods such as indenter evaluation are available, they are not suitable for in-service use. We propose that second harmonic generation (SHG) could provide a non-destructive means of characterizing the aging of chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) cable jackets. SHG was used to study cables previously aged and characterized by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Comparative data between the SHG results and indenter modulus tests suggest that SHG can be used to qualitatively differentiate between minimally and significantly aged CSPE cable jackets. The results of this proof-of-concept study suggest additional work that could be done to better understand the mechanisms of the aging of CSPE cable jackets and how SHG could be used to monitor the aging process.
ISSN:2153-2648