Numerical Investigation on the Effects of Tensioning on the Dynamic
Performance of a Pantograph
- lucky Adoh
Abstract
The aim of this analysis was to model the pantograph - catenary system
at static equilibrium and provide analytical solutions by computing the
natural frequencies of the system, mode functions, equivalent stiffness
of the catenary system and the deflections of the catenary wire as a
function of position, time and tensioning force. Furthermore, dynamic
analysis was conducted analytically and the results of the dynamic
performance were obtained. It was shown that the dynamic response of the
catenary system is dependent on the design parameters in which
tensioning force is included. It was also shown that low tensioning
forces result in high risk of contact loss and increased wave
propagation in the catenary wire while high tensioning forces result in
increased static stresses in the catenary system. The results in this
article can be used to select optimum tensioning forces and design
parameters for desired pantograph-catenary dynamic performance.