Effect of the Shape of Carbon-Based Collection Elements on Their Wear-Resisting Properties and Current Collection Stablity

Abstract

The aspect under discussion is alternate shape of current collection elements. Modification of their traditional shape is tackled from the viewpoint of achieving better wear resistance and reliability of the current-collector unit’s sliding contact strips. There is indicated influence exerted by the shape of the collection elements on the aerodynamic and tribological performance. Based on the obtained data there was developed alternate collection element shape version contributing to lesser wear intensity and better stability of the collector unit. There is also indicated that aerodynamics-friendly shape of current collection elements contributes to their lesser damageability and more intensive cooling. The approach to the problem under discussion taken by the authors bases upon non-equilibrium thermodynamics and self-organization theory.

Keywords

• friction
• wear-resisting properties
• contact strips
• aerodynamic shape
• thermodynamic and kinetic factors