Title :
Electric contact materials and their erosion in automotive DC relays
Author :
Leung, Chi H. ; Lee, Anthony
Author_Institution :
General Motors Res. Lab., Warren, MI, USA
fDate :
4/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Proper contact material selection is critical for reliable performance of automotive relays. Three types of contact material were compared in a 20-A relay, which were switching lamp, motor, and resistor loads. The three contact materials chosen have different material strengthening mechanisms so that their effects on the arc erosion process could be evaluated. They include: (a) a silver alloy (98Ag-2Cu), (b) a metal-oxide composite (Ag-SnO2 with WO3 additive), and (c) a metal-metal composite (Ag-20Ni). Contact resistance, welding, and DC transfer characteristics were compared in make-only, break-only, and normal make-and-break switching operations. The observed results were explained in terms of the arc erosion process and inherent material structures. All three types of contact material have their own pros and cons in automotive applications
Keywords :
automotive electronics; electrical contacts; relays; wear; 20 A; AgCu; AgNi; AgSnO2; DC transfer characteristics; arc erosion process; automotive DC relays; break-only switching; contact material selection; erosion; lamp loads; make-and-break switching operations; make-only switching; material strengthening mechanisms; metal-metal composite; metal-oxide composite; motor loads; resistor loads; welding; Additives; Automotive applications; Automotive engineering; Contact resistance; Lamps; Materials reliability; Relays; Resistors; Silver; Welding;
Journal_Title :
Components, Hybrids, and Manufacturing Technology, IEEE Transactions on
