Hygrothermal Degradation of Epoxy Electrical Insulating Material-Testing and Mathematical Modeling
Jan Leffler1, Jan Kaska2, Petr Kadlec1
1Department of Materials and Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of West Bohemia, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic.
Polymers
|July 27, 2024
Summary
This study models hygrothermal degradation in epoxy resins, crucial for electrical insulation. A novel Bayesian method accurately predicts material condition and remaining useful life, outperforming traditional approaches.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Electrical insulating materials are vital in electrical engineering.
- Modeling material degradation is key for estimating remaining useful life.
- Hygrothermal degradation of epoxy resins is understudied in this context.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate hygrothermal degradation effects on epoxy resins.
- Evaluate dielectric and mechanical responses to degradation.
- Develop and compare degradation modeling methodologies.
Main Methods:
- Hygrothermal degradation experiment.
- Dielectric response measurements (permittivity, dissipation factor, dielectric strength).
- Mechanical response measurements (tensile strength, Shore D hardness).
- Thermal analyses.
- Bayesian experimental design for degradation modeling.
Main Results:
- Mechanical parameters effectively indicate material condition.
- Bayesian enhanced degradation model shows superiority over conventional methods.
- Hygrothermal effects on dielectric and mechanical properties were quantified.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical properties are sensitive indicators of epoxy resin degradation.
- The Bayesian approach offers a more accurate method for modeling degradation and predicting material lifespan.
- This research provides valuable insights for electrical insulation applications.
