SLIDING WEAR AND CORROSION RESISTANCE OF TRAIN OVERHEAD LINE CONTACT WIRE

Abstract

In this study, the mechanical sliding wear and corrosion
resistance property of pure copper (Cu) and
two copper alloys (CuAg ,CuNiSiCr) overhead contact
wire were investigated by a pin-on-disc Tribometer
which is designed and constructed as part of
this thesis to simulate contact wire and collector
(contact) strips contact, with mechanical and electro
-chemical measurement. The copper alloys which
were prepared in the form of pin, were forced to
slide on stainless steel disc at temperature of 280c
and unlubricated condition at a sliding speed of 80
km/hr under normal load up to 10.24 N without electric
current. Corrosion test was also conducted in
acid, rain, salt environmental condition and in notch
stress. The worn surface, wear debris and the corrosion
from the specimens were studied by metallurgical
microscopes and the weight loss measured by
analytical balance. Finally, the CuNiSiCr copper
alloy has better wear and corrosion resistance property
and also takes less purchase cost. Hence, the
material is recommended for Addis Ababa light rail
transit overhead line contact wire.