Time Series Analysis in the Study of Sliding Electrical Contacts

In this study autocorrelation effects of electrical noise in sliding electrical contacts are investigated. First ideal systems are described on a pure theoretical basis. The limiting case for autocorrelation is a constant resistance with time. In this case a perfect positive correlation is found. Real data consist of random as well as repetitive components resulting from rotational velocity and occurrence of vibrations respectively. In this way the frictional state of the contact as well as specific microstructural states of the contact zone can be further studied.