Study on the Influence of Different Dropper Models in Pantograph–Catenary System on Dropper Load Simulation

The dropper load directly influences the fatigue mechanism of the high-speed catenary system. A proper dropper model for a pantograph–catenary system can be used to accurately and efficiently investigate this phenomenon. In this work, the influence of different dropper models in pantograph–catenary systems on dropper load simulations is investigated. Based on the Euler beam element, a finite element model-based pantograph–catenary system is formulated, and beam, rod, and spring dropper models are considered in this model. After the validation of the present model, the influence of different dropper models on dropper loads and pantograph–catenary interaction dynamics is studied. The calculation efficiency of different dropper models is also analyzed. Based on the investigation results, different dropper models can accurately simulate the pantograph–catenary interaction dynamics, but the spring model is not as accurate as the beam and rod models for dropper loads, and the calculation time of the beam model is much longer than that of other models. Therefore, the use of a rod dropper model in a pantograph–catenary system is suggested for dropper dynamic analysis.