Arc erosive characteristics of a carbon strip sliding against a copper contact wire in a high-speed electrified railway

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 79; pp. 8 - 15
• Main Authors: Ding, T., Chen, G.X., Li, Y.M., Yang, H.J., He, Q.D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2014
• Subjects: Arc discharge; Arc discharges; ARC EROSION; ARCS; Carbon; Contact; Friction and wear; High speed; Oxidative wear; RAILROAD APPLICATIONS; Railroads; Railway engineering; Strip; Wear; WEAR MECHANISMS; WIRE; Arc erosion; Friction and wear; Oxidative wear; Arc discharge
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2014.05.003

Experimental studies on arc erosive characteristics of a carbon strip rubbing against a copper contact wire were carried out on a ring-on-block electrical sliding tester. The test result shows that the intensity of arc discharge has a significant influence on friction and wear performance. These arc erosive characteristics are characterized by two special traces. SEM examination shows that arc erosion and oxidative wear caused by arc discharge are the main wear mechanisms. This indicates that the off-line arc discharge of the contact couple should be suppressed to the maximum extent to extend the service life of the pantograph strip in high-speed electrified railways. •The arc erosive features are characterized by arc ablation pits and dark steam-lines.•The main wear mechanisms of strip/contact wire are arc erosion and oxidative wear.•The off-line arc discharge should be suppressed to extent the service life of strip.