The finite element analysis on the stress field of contacts for electrical connectors

In this paper, the distribution of stress field of contacts for electrical connectors was studied. The finite element analysis models were established based on the structural-thermal analysis of them. With the consideration to the interference fit of the contacts in service, the three-dimensional solid model was imposed by the reasonable loads and boundary conditions and analyzed by ANSYS contact analysis module. The numerical analysis was made on the stress field of contacts for a certain type of electrical connectors at different ambient temperatures; and the results were analyzed. It can be seen that as the ambient temperature increases, the maximum Von Mises stress and the maximum deformation of the jack increases. The Von Mises Stress of jack is roughly divided into three parts. The maximum stress appears at about the contact surface near the bottom of slit which is probably the weakest point.