Sensitivity in the dynamic response estimation of pantograph-catenary interaction, due to time step and cut-off frequency - A numerical study

This thesis investigates the sensitivity in the dynamic response when simulating the pantograph-catenary interaction due to time step and cut-off frequency. In addition, the contact formulation stated in standard EN50318 is addressed. Catenary systems involve major investments, thus reducing wear and damage of the contact wire and the pantograph is crucial. This thesis considers previous work on the subject, which argues that when studying wear, higher frequencies than stated in the standards for simulations of the catenary system, are of interest. This thesis suggest a minimum sampling frequency that should be used when simulating the catenary, if the response with higher frequencies are of interest. The simulations ability to detect elasticity variations along the span, and the wave propagation are addressed. The simulations were performed using a numerical model derived by Petter Naavik, and the results were analysed using Python and Matlab. Important output with regards to wear is presented, and used to evaluate the results