STABILIZATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF CONTACT QUALITY BASED ON MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE DYNAMIC INTERCONNECTION OF THE CONTACT NETWORK - PANTOGRAPH SYSTEM
Keywords:
Pantograph–catenary interaction; contact force stability; dynamic modeling; mass–spring–damper system; optimal damping; current collection quality; electrified railways.Abstract
Reliable power transmission in electrified railway systems critically depends on the quality of dynamic interaction between the pantograph and the overhead contact line (catenary). Increasing train speeds, axle loads, and traffic density significantly intensify mechanical and electrical stresses within the current collection system, leading to accelerated wear of contact wires, pantograph strips, electric arcing, and power interruptions. According to international practice, up to 20–30% of technical failures in electrified railways are associated with current collection systems, with 10–15% directly related to unstable contact force [1].
This paper presents a comprehensive mathematical model of the pantograph–catenary dynamic interaction based on an equivalent mass–spring–damper representation. The contact wire irregularity is modeled as a periodic excitation determined by train speed and span length. Quantitative performance criteria, including average contact force, standard deviation of contact force, and probability of contact loss, are introduced to evaluate current collection quality.
Analytical expressions for the optimal pantograph uplift force and damping coefficient are derived to stabilize the average contact force at a prescribed reference level while minimizing force oscillations. The resulting nonlinear dynamic system is solved numerically using a fourth-order Runge–Kutta integration scheme. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed optimal configuration significantly reduces contact force fluctuations, decreases the probability of contact loss, and improves the overall stability of the pantograph–catenary system. The proposed approach provides a scientifically grounded and practically applicable methodology for enhancing current collection reliability, extending component service life, and reducing maintenance costs in modern electrified railways [6]
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References
Poetsch, G., Evans, J., Meisinger, R., Kortüm, W., Baldauf, W., Veitl, A., & Wallaschek, J. (2007). Pantograph–catenary dynamics and control. Vehicle System Dynamics, 45(7–8), 673–699. https://doi.org/10.1080/00423110600865956
Wu, T. X., & Brennan, M. J. (1998). Basic modelling of the dynamic interaction between pantograph and overhead line. Vehicle System Dynamics, 30(6), 443–460. https://doi.org/10.1080/00423119808969360
Balestrino, A., Bruno, O., Landi, A., & Sani, L. (1999). Active control of the pantograph–catenary system. Vehicle System Dynamics, 31(3), 207–223. https://doi.org/10.1080/00423119908969687
Xia, H., Zhang, N., & Guo, W. (2002). Dynamic interaction of pantograph–catenary system at high speed. Journal of Sound and Vibration, 251(4), 595–609. https://doi.org/10.1006/jsvi.2001.4044
EN 50367:2020. Railway applications – Current collection systems – Technical criteria for pantographs. European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization.
UIC Code 794. Interaction between pantograph and overhead line. International Union of Railways.
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