Dynamic sensitivity analysis for the pantograph of a high-speed rail vehicle

In this study, the dynamic characteristics of a catenary system using the finite element method (FEM) and dynamic modelling for developing a suitable pantograph at high speed is analyzed. First, the catenary system of a high-speed railway is assumed to be a beam model. Next, an analysis program using finite element analysis was performed. The pantograph of linear spring–mass system is assumed to be three-degrees-of-freedom model for the finite element analysis. The analyses of the catenary based on the FEM are executed to develop a pantograph that meets the necessary standards for high-speed rail vehicles. Using a simulation of the pantograph–catenary system, the static deflection of the catenary, the stiffness variation in the contact lines, the dynamic response of the catenary undergoing a constant moving load and the contact force analysis were executed. From the pantograph–catenary analysis, the design parameters of a pantograph could be optimized. Based on the design-parameter analysis, a pantograph with improved parameters was found to be suitable for a high-speed rail vehicle.