Effect of contact force and velocity on copper sliding contact under inductive arcing

Abstract:
In order to improve the reliability of sliding copper contacts, we have studied the impact of wear and electrical parameters for multiple sliding cycles under inductive loads which produce arcs. Their performance has been evaluated by measuring voltage drop fluctuations and contact resistance stability during sliding for the cases where lubricants were used and for dry contacts. We have examined their relation with sliding speed, contact force and current during electrical sliding contact operations. Experiments were conducted using a mix sliding-separation contact bench. The test voltage was 14V; the inductive load was 10mH; the range current, 1-30A, the sliding velocity range 1-6cm/s and the force range was 1-8N.Combined effects of mechanical and electrical parameters on sliding electrical contacts damages are confirmed.