Simulation system of pantograph arcing

Perfect sliding electrical contact between pantograph and catenary can guarantee the safety and stability of locomotive. Pantograph arcing is one of the main factors of sliding electrical contact performance inelectrified railway system. The main reason of pantograph arcing is the varying gap due to the mechanical vibration between pantograph and catenary. In order to study the pantograph arcing, a novel test apparatus of pantograph arcing has been developed according to the filed application. The apparatus can simulate laterally (zigzag) movement, vertical vibration and the flexible line contact between pantograph contact strip and contact wire. Vibration characteristic of catenary can be simulated by adjusting the contact wire tension. Electrical parameters and morphological features of pantograph arcing were analyzed. It is demonstrated that the features of pantograph arcing is similar to that in field condition.