Relationship between Wear Profile of Pantograph Contact Strip and Arc Discharge Energy Distribution

The relationship between wear profile of a pantograph contact strip and arc discharge energy distribution on the strip was investigated using a block-on-ring type wear tester by applying an electrical current. Two types of sintered iron alloy strips and one type of copper-infiltrated carbon strip were tested. The results of the wear tests indicated that the arc discharge energy distribution well matched the wear profile of the one of the sintered iron strip and carbon strips.