Fundamental Study of Electrical Sliding Contacts Comprising a Au-coated Slip Ring and Au Brush

Abstract:
The silver ring and silver-coated graphite brush are widely used in the measurement field. Additionally, noble-metal brushes have been applied in direct-current power supplies for the rotating of machinery in the electrical equipment industry in recent years. Previous studies have investigated the sliding properties of the silver–graphite brush and silver-coated ring. However, the sliding characteristics of the gold brush and gold-coated ring have not been obtained. The present study sought contact characteristics by passing a strong current between a gold slip ring and gold brush. It also examined the effect of applying lubricant to the sliding surface and found that the contact resistance of the gold brush and gold slip ring tend to be lower. Furthermore, it was confirmed that lubricant is effective in reducing the wear of the gold brush.