System and method for identifying a compromised or damaged section of a conductive body extending along a route

A system, comprising:

• one or more application devices configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle system traveling along a route, the one or more application devices configured to be coupled with one or more conductive bodies extending along the route during movement of the vehicle system along the route, the one or more application devices configured to electrically conduct an examination signal into the one or more conductive bodies, and the examination signal configured to circulate through a closed loop positioned within a length of the vehicle system, the closed loop formed by the vehicle system and the one or more conductive bodies, and the length defined by a single grouping of one or more mechanically coupled vehicles of the vehicle system;
• one or more detection units configured to be disposed onboard the vehicle system and to monitor one or more electrical characteristics of the one or more conductive bodies in response to the examination signal being conducted into the one or more conductive bodies;
• and
• an identification unit configured to examine the one or more electrical characteristics of the one or more conductive bodies monitored by the one or more detection units to identify a compromised or damaged section of the one or more conductive bodies, the compromised or damaged section of the one or more conductive bodies positioned within the length of the vehicle system.