A review on theoretical investigation of electrical contact materials

Much experimental effort has been made in the development of electrical contact materials. However, quantitative study on contact material is still not enough and results in the waste of time and money in developing new materials. The previous results of theoretical research on contact materials are reviewed in this paper, which include the models of static and dynamic welding resistances, criteria of current chopping level and breaking capacity. These models show the relationship between the material parameters and contact performances. The problems in these models are also discussed. At the same time the authors point out that the theoretical study on contact materials should be strengthened because progress in theory will raise the efficiency of new contact material development.