Thermal analysis of sliding electrical contacts with mechanical friction in steady state conditions

This paper describes a thermal model of sliding electric contacts with mechanical friction in electric rails system. The model has been validated for two electric contacts which are connected in parallel on the same contact line. The obtained mathematical model can be used to analyse the thermal behaviour of electric contacts system in steady-state conditions at different values of the electric current, friction coefficient, contact force, line cross-section, distance between contacts, speed of the contacts and ambient temperature. Also, the thermal model allows the computation of the temperature at different ratio between the currents which flow through electric contacts. There is a good correlation between calculated values and experimental results. •A mathematical model of electric contacts with double points has been established.•The mutual influence of the both different thermal sources, has been analysed.•The thermal model can be used in electric traction system.•The mathematical model can be used for a system with “n” electrical contacts.