Abstract
Results of experimental and desktop studies of the single-wire copper conductor deformation under the overcurrent action are given in the article. The conductor was studied using the JSM-6390L reflection electron microscope. A mathematical model of the stress-strain state of the copper bar in tension and under a temperature below 700 °С has been developed on the basis of the classical nonlinear problem of the structural mechanics. The mechanical forces in a single-wire copper conductor, which cause neck formation during overcurrent flow, have been determined. The mathematical model has been simplified to simple analytical dependences providing their use in forensic fire and technical investigations.