Comparison of distributed and lumped parameters stray current models

DC electrified traction systems are a potential source of stray current, that may corrode both internal and external metal structures and installations. The stray current intensity depends on several factors (such as traction current, rail insulation, concrete mat and pier resistance) that need to be accounted for in any model for the estimation of stray current. The effect of an uniform or multilayer soil in such predictive model is of equal importance. In practice, there are numerous models that have been developed to investigate railway stray current phenomena; these models can be categorized into two - namely distributed parameter model and lump parameter model - based on the parameter model used. In this paper, both models are compared to highlight the differences between both methods.