Multipurpose setup used to characterize tribo-electrical properties of electrical contact materials

Abstract

Electrical contacts are pervasively found on countless modern devices and systems. It is imperative that connecting components present adequate electrical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics to fulfill the crucial role that they play in the system. To develop an electrical contact material that is tailored for a specific application, different approaches are pursued (e.g., coatings, reinforced composites, alloyed metals, duplex systems, etc.). The manufacturing of electrical contact materials demand a thorough characterization of their electrical properties, mechanical properties, and their resistance to wear, as well as their resistance to atmospheric conditions. Accordingly, commissioning of a novel setup enables a more comprehensive study of the materials that are developed. Therefore, a complete understanding of the material's electrical and tribological characteristics are attained, allowing the production of a material that is compliant with the particular demands of the application for which it is intended. This multipurpose setup was built with higher precision stages and higher accuracy 3-axis force sensor, thus providing the following improvement over the preceding setup: • Elevated load-bearing capacity (double), higher precision and stability.

• Tribo-electrical characterization (implementation of scratch and fretting tests).

• Environmental control (climate and external vibration).