Objective: to quantify thermomechanical stresses in the insulation of locomotive traction electric motors (TED). Methods: thermomechanical stress analysis was performed using the finite element method (FEM) within the SolidWorks 2010 environment, enabling a detailed evaluation of the insulation material’s stressstrain state across all loading stages while ensuring high accuracy and reliability. Results: thermomechanical stresses significantly accelerate dynamic thermal aging of the winding insulation provoking fatigue damage that degrades insulating properties and diminishes TED reliability. From these findings, a numerical modelling technique was developed to accurately predict the insulation material’s stress-strain behavior under various loading conditions. This approach enables the design and optimization of TED structures under actual operating conditions. The developed methodology can be applied to assess thermomechanical stresses in treated insulation materials associated with TEDs and analogous structures, thereby broadening its practical applicability and significance. It constitutes an important advance in elucidating the aging mechanisms of TED insulation and in devising measures to enhance their reliability and service life. Practical importance: the findings can guide the creation of innovative technologies and engineering solutions that will significantly improve locomotive performance, reduce maintenance costs and increase transportation safety.
Shrayber et al. (Thu,) studied this question.