Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the impact of the critical speed over the power collecting system for the electric trains. Methods/ Analysis: Two models regarding the critical speed estimation related to the resonance phenomenon in the pantograph- ­catenary systemare studied:firstly, by thedifferential equationofthe contactpointtrajectory, andsecondly by themaximum kinetic energy and the maximum potential energy over a span. Simulations for the pantograph-catenary ­interaction at train speeds close to the critical ones are done. Tests for different speeds were realised on an experimental stand. Findings: Records of the pantograph-catenary system’s behavior show the influence of the critical speeds over the power ­collecting system and knowing the critical speeds on different trucks, it can be established the maximum speeds for the railway ­vehicles. It is to observe that the critical speed depends strongly on the mechanical tensions in the contact line and on the linear mass of the contact line. Applications/Improvements: Two relationships were established for the critical speed, one considering mechanical tension into the wire and another considering the length span. A test bench was developed for the pantograph-catenary researches. 
Keywords: Critical Speed, Electric Trains, Pantograph-Catenary Interaction, Test Bench