An investigation into multi-domain simulation for a pantographcatenary system

AGH University of Science and Technology, Department of Robotics and Mechatronics, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

^* Corresponding author: zdziebko@agh.edu.pl

Abstract

There is a need for modelling various phenomena present in a pantograph-catenary structure, (e.g. wave propagation and its reflections, friction, aerodynamic and electromagnetic forces), which allows for a more reliable study on the dynamic behaviours of a railway pantograph, particularly in the case of high-speed trains. Hence, the creation a complex pantograph-catenary multi-domain model should help to effectively meet the above-mentioned requirements. The work presents a co-simulation approach to investigate the pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction. The elaborated co-simulation algorithm assumes data exchange between multibody models of a pantograph and finite element model of a catenary. The presented approach explores multi-domain phenomena that have an influence on the pantograph-catenary interaction. The nonlinear finite element catenary model takes into account the slackening of droppers, relatively large displacements and contact with the pantograph’s slider, while the multibody model of the pantograph considers friction forces and suspension springs. Additionally, aerodynamic forces caused by wind acting on the pantograph were computed using the fluid structure interaction method and implemented in the dynamic simulation. The influence on the pantograph-catenary interaction caused by electromagnetic force acting on the pantograph was investigated, along with the influence of the locomotive’s vertical vibrations and tilt.