A qualitative analysis on the effect of external vibrations on the performance of power connectors

Power connectors represent essential components within electrical energy transmission systems. The electrical contact interface is particularly vulnerable to fretting wear when exposed to external mechanical vibrations, resulting in performance deterioration and, ultimately, circuit disconnection. In the present study, a novel experimental apparatus is established to facilitate real-time monitoring of the electrical contact resistance (ECR) response during mechanical vibration. Furthermore, the correlations between the ECR response and critical parameters, including vibration amplitude, vibration frequency, and load current, are systematically examined. Through a series of frequency-sweep vibration experiments, the study elucidates the degradation mechanisms and provides a detailed physical failure analysis of the power connector.