Finite element analysis of pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction

Numerical simulations of the pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction allow for assessment of the current collection quality provided by this subsystem at the design stage of the pantograph or the catenary system. In this paper, the authors present numerical results of simulations of the dynamic interaction between a pantograph and a catenary. Adopted catenary and pantograph models are consistent with the reference model presented in the EN 50318:2002 document, which describes the validation procedure of the simulation for the dynamic interaction between pantograph and overhead contact line. Authors have used the Finite Element Method to analyze this complex system. Ten catenary spans of simple catenary (one messenger wire and one contact wire) are modelled, each of them is 60m long. The pre-sag of the catenary is 0mm and the model of the catenary includes the stagger which equals ±200mm. The pantograph model consists of lumped masses which are connected each other with spring-damper elements. First, the static initial configuration is obtained (under gravity and tensioning loads), after which the dynamic transient simulation is conducted. Obtained results for the contact force and uplifts at supports are within the reference ranges presented in the EN 50318:2002 document, therefore it can be considered that the adopted model correctly reproduces the dynamic behaviour of the pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction.