CATENARY DESIGN FOR HIGH SPEEDS

Ten years ago it was quite reasonable to wonder whether principles giving satisfaction at 160 km/h remained valid for higher speeds, and whether current collection by the conventional pantograph-catenary system was still possible at very high speeds of about 300 km/h. On existing infrastructure, even with old contact lines, a speed of 200 km/h is possible, subject to applying to the catenary certain improvements defined in each specific case, especially the addition of an initial sag of the contact wire, and to damping the movements of the pantograph by suitable device. For high speeds of about 300 km/h the pantograph-catenary system remains suitable. The two-tier pantograph supplies a solution to the problem of sets required to be used both with catenaries at constant height and on lines with catenaries of considerable variation in height.

• Corporate Authors:

  International Railway Congress Association

  17-21 rue de Louvrain
  1000 Brussels,   Belgium 
• Authors:
  • Boissonnade, P
• Publication Date: 1975-3

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 205-217
• Serial:
  • RAIL INTERNATIONAL
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue Number: 3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Catenaries (Railroads); High speed rail; Pantographs; Railroad electrification; Vehicle design
• Identifier Terms: Societe nationale des chemins de fer francais
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00096539
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Rail International
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 24 1975 12:00AM