Bionic Multilevel Composite Structures Design in Ag-CuO Contacts for Synergistically Enhancing Erosion and Impact...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomimetics
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Multilevel composite structures are key for enhancing contact performance.
• Natural bamboo's mechanical strength stems from its unique structural coupling.
• Improving electrical contact resistance to arc erosion and impact is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel Ag-CuO electrical contact inspired by bamboo's microstructure.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of multilevel structures on arc erosion and impact resistance.
• To explore the self-compensation and repair capabilities of the designed contact.

Main Methods:

• Inverse design and controlled fabrication of Ag-CuO contacts with Ag-rich regions, CuO chain-like skeletons, and CuO barrier layers.
• Experimental analysis combined with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations.
• Evaluation of arc erosion morphology, molten pool dynamics, and impact resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The multilevel structure refined erosion morphology and demonstrated excellent self-compensation and repair ability via Ag-rich regions.
• The restructured CuO skeletons formed a 3D interpenetrating network, enhancing erosion resistance by disintegrating molten bridges.
• The biomimetic design improved energy absorption and impact resistance, inhibiting interface debonding.

Conclusions:

• The bamboo-inspired Ag-CuO contact exhibits superior arc erosion and impact resistance due to its multilevel composite structure.
• The synergistic interactions among Ag-rich regions, CuO skeletons, and barrier layers are vital for enhanced performance.
• This biomimetic strategy offers a promising pathway for developing advanced Ag-based electrical contacts.