Modeling the mechanical wear of the contact elements of pantograph during high-speed movement

Abstract

The use of contact elements with an extended service life is one of the most economical and least costly ways to ensure reliable, economical and environmentally friendly transmission of electricity to rolling stock. To evaluate the service life in OSTU, a methodology for conducting experimental studies of contact pairs of pantograph has been developed and successfully tested, involving bench tests for each pair of contact materials “contact insert - contact wire” in order to determine their optimal combination to reduce wear and increase service life. Assessment of the amount of wear and prediction of the life of the contact elements are made, including using mathematical modeling. The purpose of this article is to improve the mechanical component of the wear model of the contact elements of pantograph in high-speed conditions. The results of experimental studies and theoretical calculations of the mechanical wear of contact elements are presented. The analysis of the graphs allows us to conclude that it is possible to use an improved mathematical model for modeling the mechanical component of the wear process of the elements of contact pairs with a maximum error value of not more than 5%.