Abstract

This paper presents a non-contact measurement of the realistic catenary geometry deviation in the Norwegian railway network through a laser rangefinder. The random geometry deviation is included in the catenary model to investigate its effect on the pantograph–catenary interaction. The dispersion of the longitudinal deviation is assumed to follow a Gaussian distribution. A power spectrum density represents the vertical deviation in the contact wire. Based on the Monte Carlo method, several geometry deviation samples are generated and included in the catenary model. A lumped mass pantograph with flexible collectors is employed to reproduce the high-frequency behaviours. The stochastic analysis results indicate that the catenary geometry deviation causes a significant dispersion of the pantograph–catenary interaction response. The contact force standard deviations measured by the inspection vehicle are within the scope of the simulation results. A critical cut-off frequency that covers 1/16 of the dropper interval is suggested to fully describe the effect of the catenary geometry deviation on the contact force. The statistical minimum contact force is recommended to be modified according to the tolerant contact loss rate at high frequency. An unpleasant interaction performance of the pantograph–catenary can be expected at the catenary top speed when the random catenary geometry deviation is included.

Highlights

  • In electrified railway systems, the catenary constructed along the railroad is used to power the electric train

  • This paper presents a non-contact measurement of the realistic catenary geometry deviation in the Norwegian railway network through a laser rangefinder

  • This paper presents a field measurement of the catenary geometry from the Norwegian railway network, providing realistic catenary geometry data for the numerical simulation

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The catenary constructed along the railroad is used to power the electric train. To achieve convincing numerical results, the measurement data from field tests are utilised to modify and validate numerical models, which has prompted new measurement and identification techniques [10, 11]. The modelling of degradation has been an emerging technique to utilise the numerical model to predict service performance [18] Based on this idea, the defective droppers [19, 20], irregularity [21], contact wire wear [22] and the tension variation [23] are correctly modelled and included in the assessment of pantograph– catenary interaction. Some works that attempt to include a random geometry deviation in the catenary model lack the support of measured geometry data.

Measurement of catenary geometry
Modelling of pantograph–catenary system with geometry deviation
Computation of initial configuration with contact line height variability
Effect of geometry deviation on contact forces
Comparison with measurement data
Analysis with different cut-off frequencies
Probability analysis
Conclusions

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.