Research of Friction and Wear Behavior of Sliding Contacts under Strong Current Conditions

The friction and wear behavior of powder metallurgy copper-based slide and Cu impregnation carbon slide under different current conditions was studied by carrying out lots of friction experiments between slide and the CTS120 type wire with sliding electrical contact testing equipment. It showed that the friction and wear behavior of slide have two stages called running-in stage and relative stable stage. The friction coefficient, contact resistance and wear rate were increased by the increase of current. However, the changing rules of them were different. The changing rate of friction coefficient and contact resistance of Cu impregnation carbon slide was smaller but the values of them were bigger. The friction coefficient and contact resistance of powder metallurgy Copper-based slide were smaller, but the rate of increase was bigger and the current-carrying stability was worse. The microstructure analysis with SSX-550 type scanning electron microscope showed that the wear form under strong current conditions were abrasion and adhesive wear. The rate of wear of Cu impregnation carbon slide was smaller and the property of friction and wear was better.