Abstract :
Copperrsteel couple is used for transmission of high electrical power under high electrical tension and high electrical
current density for good mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of copper and for low junction electrical tension
between copperrsteel metalswA. Bouchoucha, Thesis INPL, Nancy, France, 1988x. However, high current density in
dynamical contact enhances oxidation process of sliding surface and then can induce electric arc and copper damage. Sliding
wire copper is damaged by abrasion, by tribooxidation and by electrical arc. We have studied the copperrsteel oxidation in
sliding electrical contact vs. the mechanical and electrical parameters. The influence of electrical current on surface damage
is made in evidence and analysed. We will present the tribological results of sliding contact and we discuss the
thermoelectromechanical surface damage process vs. mechanical electrical and thermal parameters. q1999 Elsevier Science
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