Numerical simulations of pantograph and catenary interaction considering imperfect joints

Abstract

Catenary systems, utilized in the railway industry for transmitting electrical energy to a vehicle, consist of support poles and wires. Resolving dynamic issues related to the interaction between a pantograph and catenary systems poses another challenge. Key aspects involve a moving load on the contact wire due to the pantograph and nonlinearities arising because droppers can transmit force only under tension.The introduction of imperfect joints in the pantograph of an electric rail vehicle introduces a significant challenge in accurately modelling its behaviour. Imperfect joints can result in non-ideal connections, leading to deviations from the expected motion and performance. To address this issue, a comprehensive approach utilizing a multibody dynamics methodology was employed.