Analysis of the overlap section in a high-speed railway catenary by means of numerical simulations

Abstract

The transition between catenary tensioning sections is accomplished smoothly by overlapping a number of spans in each catenary section. This work presents an analysis of the overlap section in a high-speed railway catenary based on numerical simulations. The paper studies the influence on the system’s dynamic behaviour of features such as double cantilevers and tensioning devices efficiency. Four and five-span overlaps are compared and the effect of train speed and overlap contact wire geometry are also analysed. Finally, an entire catenary section is optimised by Bayesian Optimisation techniques, leading to a catenary configuration with an interaction force with a standard deviation notably lower than that provided by the nominal catenary design.