Research on dynamic characteristics of arc under electrode relative motion

The relative motion of the electrodes is a typical feature of sliding electrical contact systems.The system fault caused by the arc is the key problem that restricts the service life of the sliding electrical contact system.In this paper,an arcing experimental platform that can accurately control the relative speed and distance of electrodes is built,and the influence of different electrode speeds and electrode distances on arc motion characteristics is explored.It is found that there are three different modes of arc root motion:single arc root motion mode,single and double arc roots alternating motion mode,and multiple arc roots motion mode.The physical process and influence mechanism of different arc root motion modes are further studied,and the corresponding relationship between arc root motion modes and electrode speed is revealed.In addition,to further explore the distribution characteristics of arc temperature and its influencing factors,an arc magnetohydrodynamic model under the relative motion of electrodes is established,and the variation law of arc temperature under the effect of different electrode speeds and electrode distances is summarized.Finally,the influence mechanism of electrode speed and electrode distance on arc temperature,arc root distance,and arc root speed is clarified.The research results enrich the research system of arc dynamic characteristics in the field of sliding electrical contact,and provide theoretical support for restraining arc erosion and improving the service life of the sliding electrical contact system.

Current-carrying tribological behavior of C/Cu contact pairs in extreme temperature and humidity environments for railway catenary systems

Many current-carrying contact pairs, such as those found in pantograph-catenary systems, operate in open environments and are susceptible to significant external interference from temperature and humidity variations. This study investigated the evolution of the friction coefficient and contact resistance of C/Cu contact pairs under alternating temperature, humidity, and current conditions. Through experimentation, the wear rate and microtopography of the worn surface were analyzed under various constant parameters. Subsequently, the differences in tribological behavior and current-carrying characteristics of the contact pairs under these three parameters were explored. The results revealed that the decrease in temperature resulted in a significant increase in the friction coefficient of the contact pairs, carbon wear, and copper surface roughness. Additionally, the surface oxidation rate was lower at lower temperatures. Moreover, contact resistance did not consistently increase with decreasing temperature, owing to the combined action of the contact area and the oxide film. Compared with temperature, humidity fluctuations at room temperature exerted less influence on the friction coefficient and contact resistance of the contact pairs. Dry environments rendered carbon materials vulnerable to oxidation and cracking, while excessive humidity fostered abrasive wear and arcing. High-current conditions generally degraded the tribological properties of C/Cu contacts. In the absence of current, the friction coefficient was extremely high, and the copper transfer was high. Under excessive current, copper was susceptible to plowing by carbon micro-bumps and abrasive particles, resulting in a decrease in the friction coefficient. The release of lipids from the carbon surface due to temperature elevation weakened the electrical contact performance and increased the occurrence of arc erosion, thereby exacerbating carbon wear.