Wear Particle Migration Trajectories and Accumulation Behavior in Space Conductive Slip Rings

LAI Anjie; LI Pu; LIU Yanmin; ZHOU Qinghua; ZHANG Qiang; LUO Xiaowu; HUANG Xiaolong; XIONG Lindong

doi:10.7643/ issn.1672-9242.2025.09.013

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Equipment Environmental Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (9) : 115-125. DOI: 10.7643/ issn.1672-9242.2025.09.013

Aviation and Aerospace Equipment

Wear Particle Migration Trajectories and Accumulation Behavior in Space Conductive Slip Rings

LAI Anjie, LI Pu^*, LIU Yanmin^2,*, ZHOU Qinghua, ZHANG Qiang², LUO Xiaowu, HUANG Xiaolong, XIONG Lindong³

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Abstract

The work aims to explore the migration and accumulation behavior of wear debris particles in space-grade conductive slip rings under Electromechanical Multiphysics Coupling in vacuum conditions, thereby uncovering the mechanisms underlying their failure and offering theoretical insights to enhance their in-orbit operational reliability. A steady-state electrostatic migration model for wear debris was established based on the electrostatic field theory and mass transport equations, and the simulation results were further validated through on-orbit debris migration experiments. Meanwhile, the COMSOL Multiphysics platform was applied to establish a multi-physics model, a systematic investigation was conducted to examine the effects of applied voltage (100 V-600 V), microgravity levels (1×10^‒4 m²/s-9×10^‒4 m²/s), and particle charge (100e-600e) on the migration trajectories and accumulation patterns of debris particles. Debris predominantly accumulated near insulating barriers, with approximately 62.68% of particles ultimately heaping up barrier surfaces. Increased voltage significantly enhanced electric field driving forces, accelerating particle migration and altering accumulation positions. Under low microgravity, particles showed signs of enhanced migration capability and a pronounced upward trend, whereas under high microgravity conditions they accumulated on the lower side of barriers. The difference in charge magnitude substantially influenced migration, generating localized high-accumulation zones, especially when Q=400e and Q=600e. Voltage, microgravity, and charge magnitude exert synergistic constraint effect on the debris migration behavior, with non-uniform accumulation zones more likely forming under low-voltage and high-microgravity conditions. This study reveals the dominant mechanisms governing debris migration and enrichment in typical space environments and provides theoretical support for optimizing operational parameters and improving on-orbit reliability of conductive slip rings.

Key words

conductive slip ring / space environment / wear debris migration / multiphysics interaction / debris accumulation characteristics

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LAI Anjie, LI Pu, LIU Yanmin, ZHOU Qinghua, ZHANG Qiang, LUO Xiaowu, HUANG Xiaolong, XIONG Lindong. Wear Particle Migration Trajectories and Accumulation Behavior in Space Conductive Slip Rings[J]. Equipment Environmental Engineering. 2025, 22(9): 115-125 https://doi.org/10.7643/ issn.1672-9242.2025.09.013

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