Effect of temperature and arc discharge on friction and wear behaviours of carbon strip/copper contact wire in pantograph-catenary systems

► Effects of temperature and arc discharge on friction and wear behaviour of carbon strip/copper contact wire in pantograph-catenary systems were performed using a pin-on-disc type tester. ► Results show the off-line arc discharge of the contact couple has a larger influence on wear of carbon strips than thermal wear. ► Arc ablation and thermal wear are two main wear mechanisms for severe wear of carbon strips in electrical sliding process.