Friction and wear behavior of pure carbon strip sliding against copper contact wire under AC passage at high speeds

► Experimental studies on friction and wear properties of collector strip/contact wire materials in a high sliding velocity with a large AC were performed using a quasi full-scale test machine. ► Arc erosion, abrasive wear and adhesive wear accompanied by material transfer are found to be the main wear mechanisms. ► The electric current is a key factor resulting in severe wear of strips due to arc discharge.