Friction and wear behavior of pure carbon strip sliding against copper contact wire under AC passage at high speeds

A series of tests on the friction and wear behaviour of pure carbon strip/copper contact wire with alternating current were conducted on a ring-on-block sliding tester at a high speed. The electric current, normal force and sliding velocity have distinct effects on the test results. The worn scar has the smallest size without electric current. The worn scar becomes larger with increasing electric current. Arc ablation pits, dark stream-lines of arc ablation, slipping marks, spalling blocks and the copper-like layer are found on the worn surfaces. Arc erosion, abrasive wear and adhesive wear are main wear mechanisms.