Derating of Electrical Contacts with Varying Surface Roughness
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of contact surface roughness on the performance characteristics of M12-type electrical contacts, with particular emphasis on current and thermal derating parameters. Three samples were prepared, all made from the same conductive material CuZn42, in accordance...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6196 |
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| author | Veronika Kharina Andrzej Kurek |
| author_facet | Veronika Kharina Andrzej Kurek |
| author_sort | Veronika Kharina |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study aimed to evaluate the impact of contact surface roughness on the performance characteristics of M12-type electrical contacts, with particular emphasis on current and thermal derating parameters. Three samples were prepared, all made from the same conductive material CuZn42, in accordance with identical geometric and technological specifications, differing in the surface roughness value: R<sub>z</sub> = 2 μm, representing high surface finish quality, and R<sub>z</sub> = 10 μm, representing lower quality. The results showed that the surface roughness of the contact significantly affects the thermal and electrical properties of the tested contacts. Surfaces with lower roughness (R<sub>z</sub> = 2 μm) exhibited better electrical conductivity, lower contact resistance, and slower temperature rise as the current load increased. In contrast, contacts with higher roughness (R<sub>z</sub> = 10 μm) showed a faster temperature rise and a reduction in the maximum allowable current at higher ambient temperatures. These results could be useful in the design of systems requiring reliability, particularly in high-power devices. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-da12692884834a3686e15e293ea0a58c |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-da12692884834a3686e15e293ea0a58c2025-08-20T02:23:04ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-05-011511619610.3390/app15116196Derating of Electrical Contacts with Varying Surface RoughnessVeronika Kharina0Andrzej Kurek1Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Opole University of Technology, ul. Mikołajczyka 5, 45-271 Opole, PolandFaculty of Mechanical Engineering, Opole University of Technology, ul. Mikołajczyka 5, 45-271 Opole, PolandThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of contact surface roughness on the performance characteristics of M12-type electrical contacts, with particular emphasis on current and thermal derating parameters. Three samples were prepared, all made from the same conductive material CuZn42, in accordance with identical geometric and technological specifications, differing in the surface roughness value: R<sub>z</sub> = 2 μm, representing high surface finish quality, and R<sub>z</sub> = 10 μm, representing lower quality. The results showed that the surface roughness of the contact significantly affects the thermal and electrical properties of the tested contacts. Surfaces with lower roughness (R<sub>z</sub> = 2 μm) exhibited better electrical conductivity, lower contact resistance, and slower temperature rise as the current load increased. In contrast, contacts with higher roughness (R<sub>z</sub> = 10 μm) showed a faster temperature rise and a reduction in the maximum allowable current at higher ambient temperatures. These results could be useful in the design of systems requiring reliability, particularly in high-power devices.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6196electrical contactssurface roughnesscontact resistancethermal deratingCuZn42 alloy |
| spellingShingle | Veronika Kharina Andrzej Kurek Derating of Electrical Contacts with Varying Surface Roughness Applied Sciences electrical contacts surface roughness contact resistance thermal derating CuZn42 alloy |
| title | Derating of Electrical Contacts with Varying Surface Roughness |
| title_full | Derating of Electrical Contacts with Varying Surface Roughness |
| title_fullStr | Derating of Electrical Contacts with Varying Surface Roughness |
| title_full_unstemmed | Derating of Electrical Contacts with Varying Surface Roughness |
| title_short | Derating of Electrical Contacts with Varying Surface Roughness |
| title_sort | derating of electrical contacts with varying surface roughness |
| topic | electrical contacts surface roughness contact resistance thermal derating CuZn42 alloy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6196 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT veronikakharina deratingofelectricalcontactswithvaryingsurfaceroughness AT andrzejkurek deratingofelectricalcontactswithvaryingsurfaceroughness |