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).

Evaluating the effect of unidirectional loading on the piezoresistive characteristics of carbon nanoparticles

“…Electrical testing was performed using a custom tribo-electrical testing rig 39 . In order to measure the electrical resistance of the CNP, a few modifications were required, primarily the design of an appropriate vessel for the CNP.…”

“…The voltage drop between the parallel aluminum vessel caps was measured ten times per load using a Keithley 2182a nanovoltmeter. The displacement between each established load was measured using a high-precision linear stage (precision of 0.2 µm 39 ) by acquiring the current position of the stage once each load was established. Further electrical analysis was carried out through current-dependent electrical resistance measurements (henceforth, current sweep) with the aim of evaluating the ohmic behavior—or lack thereof—of the CNP in question.…”

Comprehensive Study on Carbon-Coated Silver for Improved Tribo-Electrical and Wetting Performance

“…Tribo-electrical characterization of the reference, tarnished, and CNP-coated samples was conducted using a custom testing rig [49]. Characterization was divided into two experimental methodologies: i.e., load-dependent ECR and ECR evolution during fretting test.…”

Influence of topography on electrical contact resistance of copper-based materials

“…The topographical influence on ECR was analyzed via load dependent ECR For this analysis, the samples and the counter electrodes were mounted on a self- developed four-probe tribo-electrical testing rig [29].…”