Intermittency events in bio-compatible electrical contacts

McBride, J.W. and Maul, C. (2005) Intermittency events in bio-compatible electrical contacts. In Proceedings of the Fifty-First IEEE Holm Conference on Electrical Contacts, 2005. IEEE. pp. 75-81 . (doi:10.1109/HOLM.2005.1518226).

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the electrical contact performance of bio-compatible electrical connectors. In particular, the focus is on the performance of these devices under low frequency fretting conditions aimed to replicate the types of motion that may be experienced in-vivo. In the study, the contact materials selected include titanium, stainless-steel and cobalt-chromium alloys in various combinations. These materials are investigated under a unique methodology developed to include the high-frequency sampling of contact resistance values under dry-circuit conditions (20mV) and under low voltage levels of 5V. The experimental methodology is discussed in determining the best standard for continuing studies that compare relative performance. In all tests, the materials exhibit measurable intermittency events, after a low number of fretting cycles. These events are discussed and related to the surface form exhibited and measured using 3D surface scanning methods. The results are then related to theoretical studies of intermittency.

This record has no associated files available for download.

More information

Published date: 17 October 2005

Venue - Dates: Fifty-First IEEE Holm Conference on Electrical Contacts, Chicago, USA, 2005-09-26 - 2005-09-28

Keywords: biomedical electronics, chromium alloys, cobalt alloys, contact resistance, electric connectors, electrical contacts, materials testing, stainless steel, titanium alloys, wear

Learn more about Engineering Sciences research