Comparative study of the current-carrying property of different copper-impregnated carbon skateboards/contact wires

The pantograph-catenary system plays a crucial role in the current acquisition of Electric Multiple Unit. To obtain better carbon skateboard/contact wire matching properties, this study discusses the current-carrying properties of four different copper-impregnated carbon skateboards with chromium-zirconium-copper alloy contact wires at different currents. The test results demonstrate that the CI-D carbon skateboards are able to withstand higher currents with relatively stable electrical contact resistance and have a lower wear rate. According to tribological analysis, adhesive wear was the main wear mechanism of copper-impregnated carbon skateboards under the test conditions, which micro-analysis revealed as oxidized layers over a wide range of small areas. Small amounts of oxide particles and third-body abrasive debris cause abrasive wear on the carbon skateboard surface. [Display omitted] •Analyzed the friction property of four contact pairs.•Comparing the wear rate and interface temperature performance of contact pairs.•Analyzed the influence of current on current-carrying friction property.•Comparing the matching performance of different friction pairs.