Analysis of the abnormal wear of the pantograph contact strip through combined experimental and simulation approaches

The carbon contact strip of pantograph collects current from the overhead catenary to power the train, inevitably causing wear to the contact surface. This paper addresses the abnormal wear of the pantograph carbon contact strip, a challenged accident encountered in operation and maintenance. This issue involves aspects of tribology, dynamics interaction, and electrical contact, making it difficult to explain from a single perspective. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using field testing, laboratory experiments, and simulation, focusing on frequency matching, dynamic interaction, and wear performance. The results revealed that during operation, a frequency mismatch between the pantograph and the catenary led to the activation of the problem during dynamic interactions. This instability resulted in a reduced contact area, increased contact stress, and a sharp rise in current density, all of which contributed to higher wear rates and abnormal profiles of the contact surface. Furthermore, these changes, along with the reduced environmental humidity, further deteriorated the wear and dynamic performance of the system. Subsequent structural and parameter adjustments can optimize this issue.