Impact of voltage on the electric sliding tribological properties of current collectors against overhead lines

The impact of voltage on the electric sliding tribological properties of collectors gliding against overhead lines was experimentally investigated exploiting a block-on-disk test rig. The coefficient of friction, abrasion rate of collectors, temperature of the collectors and overhead lines, arc energy, and current-passing efficiency were collected or evaluated. The scar surfaces of current collectors were observed by SEM and analyzed by EDS. Results show that the voltage has a significant impact on the electric sliding tribological properties of collectors rubbing against overhead lines. The wear rate and temperature of collectors, and the arc energy all increase as the voltage increases. The influence mechanisms of voltage on the wear properties of collectors against overhead lines with current were also discussed. •The impact of voltage on the electric sliding wear properties of current collectors against overhead lines was studied.•The wear volume, arc voltage and current, temperature of collectors, and current-passing efficiency were analyzed.•Results show that the voltage has an important effect on the wear performance of collectors with current.•The mechanisms of the collector wear are attributed to arc ablation, heat-enhanced wear, and abrasive wear.