Original real-time observations of aeolian vibrations on power-line conductors

Aeolian vibrations of power lines are induced by Von
Karman vortex shedding. Vortex shedding is characterized by
vibration frequencies in the approximate range of 3-100 Hz
(sometimes higher) and by amplitudes that can reach conductor
diameter for the lower range of frequencies, under very slow to
medium wind speed (0.5 m/s to about 7 m/s). Conductor vibration
causes localized bending, which may cause fatigue failure of the
conductor strands. The amplitude of vibration very much
depends on conductor self damping, which may be very low. The
purpose of this paper to show measurements of these vibrations
carried out by a new experimental device (developed by the
authors), which is able to perform continuous measurements in
the full range of frequencies and amplitudes. A statistical
overview of measurements is presented and Lifetime is estimated.