PANTOGRAPH ARC EROSION SIMULATION OF HIGH-SPEED RAIL WITH ANSYS SOFTWARE

— ANSYS finite element analysis software is used with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of arc erosion in pantograph systems. Potential solutions are identified for arc erosion reduction and to overcome the challenges faced by the railway industry in terms of increased operational costs, traction power losses and system malfunctioning. The study evaluates the performance of various contact materials, including pure graphite, pure copper, and two graphite-copper composites (C-Cu60 and C-Cu32), under simulated arc conditions. The results demonstrate that the material composition and its inherent thermal properties, such as thermal conductivity and boiling/sublimation point, are the primary factors influencing arc erosion. Among the materials tested, the graphite-copper composite with a higher graphite content (C-Cu32) exhibits the lowest overall erosion rates, due to the exceptional thermal tolerance and high sublimation point of graphite. In contrast, pure copper is more susceptible to rapid vaporization due to its lower boiling point, while the CCu60 composite, with a higher copper content, performs better than pure copper but is outpaced by the C-Cu32 variant. These findings correlate well with those reported by Mersen Transport Company. Analysis of temperature profiles, erosion rates, and crater formations provide valuable insights into the development of pantograph material selection.