The effect of thermal shock temperature difference on the structural, dynamics and mechanical properties of carbon materials characterized by ultrasonic test technology

Carbon material, because of its high thermal conductivity, ablation resistance and friction resistance, has been widely used in the field of electrical engineering. When confronted strong thermal shock, the interface structure of carbon material would cause thermal shock damage by the rapid temperature difference. In order to systematically and quantificationally study the thermal shock damage of carbon materials, an experimental system that can provide rapid temperature difference was built. The experimental results showed that undergoing a temperature difference of 485 °C, more micro-cracks and holes arose in the pure carbon material, resulting in an increase of porosity by 26.39%, an increase friction coefficient by 48.65%, and a decrease of compressive strength by 23.96%. It was also found the ultrasonic velocity linearly decreased with the increase of porosity and the decrease of the compressive strength caused by thermal shock, which meant the non-destructive ultrasonic testing can be used to conveniently and accurately quantify the thermal shock damage. This conclusion also applies when testing copper-impregnated carbon material, making it a potential method to be used in the maintenance of pantograph which can effectively avoid in rail transit accidents.