Electrical Contacts: Fundamentals, Applications and Technology

FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS Introduction to Electrical Contacts . Introduction . Summary of Basic Features Contact Mechanics . Surface of Solids . Surface Topography . Modern Techniques of Measuring Surface Parameters . Contact of Smooth Surfaces . Contact between Rough Surfaces Tribology . Friction . Wear . Lubrication . Current Trends in Tribology Contact Materials . Metallic Contact Materials . Coatings for Electrical Contacts . Composite Contact Materials . Nanostructured Materials Current and Heat Transfer across the Contact Interface . Contact Resistance . Interfacial Heating Reliability Issues in Electrical Contacts . Significance of Electrical Contacts Reliability . Electrical Contact Requirements . Factors Affecting Reliability . Connection Degradation Mechanisms . Impact of Connection Degradation APPLICATIONS OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS Power Connections . Types of Power Connectors . Design Features and Degradation Mechanisms . Mitigating Measures . Installation Procedures Electronic Connections . Types of Electronic Connections . Materials for Electronic Connections . Degradation Mechanisms in Electronic Connections . Mitigating Measures Sliding Contacts . Tribology of Electrical Contacts . Dry Metal Contacts . Lubricated Metal Contacts . Composite Contacts DIAGNOSTIC AND MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Electrical Methods in Tribology . Surface Characterization . Diagnosis of Contact Area and Friction Regimes . Evaluation of Tribological Performance of Materials and Lubricants Monitoring Technologies . Thermal Measurements . Resistance Measurements . Monitoring Contact Load (Pressure) . Ultrasonic Measurements . Wireless Monitoring . Cost Benefits of Monitoring and Diagnostics Techniques Appendix 1: Methods of Description of Rough Surface Appendix 2: Shape-Memory Materials Appendix 3: Electrical Contact Tables References Index