Under a Research Initiation Award the relationship between processing, microstructure and tribological behavior will be studied for copper alloy composites with chromium fiber reinforcements. The effects of high load and velocity will be evaluated under conditions where large electrical currents pass across the interface between the composite and a hardened steel counterface, simulating the conditions of electrical brushes in homopolar motors and similar applications. The resistance to arc erosion and to oxidation will also be evaluated.
