Abstract :
The behaviour of various contact shapes and different base materials is studied in order to plan new connectors for automobile applications. The study of contact resistance of materials in their initial state versus load, is developed both in the inserting phase and during fretting motion. A specific test machine has been developed which allows statistical measurements under different initial conditions for base materials, contact shapes, and loads. The main results are the contact resistance law versus load Rc=kcF-n and the insertion force law Fc=kiFm c where the constants kc, ki, n, and m are correlated with material resistivity and contact shape characteristics. Contact resistance enhancement during low track fretting motion is reported
Keywords :
automobiles; contact resistance; electric connectors; wear testing; automobile connector development; base materials; contact resistance; contact shape studies; fretting motion; inserting phase; insertion force law; low track fretting motion; material resistivity; statistical measurements; Atomic measurements; Automobiles; Automotive materials; Connectors; Contact resistance; Copper alloys; Corrosion; Electrical resistance measurement; Materials testing; Shape;
