Drift characteristics and the multi-field coupling stress mechanism of the pantograph-catenary arc under low air pressure

Abstract

The fault caused by a pantograph-catenary arc is the main factor that threatens the stability of high-speed railway energy transmission. Pantograph-catenary arc vertical drift is more severe than the case under normal pressure, as it is easy to develop the rigid busbar, which may lead to the flashover occurring around the support insulators. We establish a pantograph-catenary arc experiment and diagnosis platform to simulate low pressure and strong airflow environment. Meanwhile, the variation law of arc drift height with time under different air pressures and airflow velocities is analyzed. Moreover, arc drift characteristics and influencing factors are explored. The physical process of the arc column drifting to the rigid busbar with the jumping mechanism of the arc root on the rigid busbar is summarized. In order to further explore the mechanism of the above physical process, a multi-field stress coupling model is built, as the multi-stress variation law of arc is quantitatively evaluated. The dynamic action mechanism of multi-field stress on arc drifting characteristics is explored, as the physical mechanism of arc drifting under low pressure is theoretically explained. The research results provide theoretical support for arc suppression in high-altitude areas.