Pantograph catenary dynamic optimisation based on advanced multibody and finite element co-simulation tools

Abstract

This paper presents recent developments undertaken by the SNCF Innovation & Research Department on numerical modelling of pantograph catenary interaction. It aims at describing an efficient co-simulation process between finite element (FE) and multibody (MB) modelling methods. The FE catenary models from the SNCF software are coupled with a full flexible MB representation with pneumatic actuation of pantograph. These advanced functionalities allow new kind of numerical analysis such as dynamic improvements based on a passive pneumatic suspension or assessment of crash risks in crossing areas, that demonstrate the powerful capabilities of this computing approach.