THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PANTOGRAPH FOR HIGH-SPEED COLLECTION

After a brief illustrated account of the main types of pantograph available, the paper deals with the basic factors that influence design. Some preliminary considerations including dimensional limitations, transverse rigidity, contact pressure, system voltage, current rating and pan profiles are dealt with and the relative merits of frame and roof-mounted air motors considered. The paper then discusses aerodynamic behaviour and its effect on the quality of contact together with the problems that arise due to snow and ice formation. Factors affecting contact strip wear are mentioned and an analysis of strip life obtained on various railway systems using different materials is given. The merits of contact surface lubrication are also noted. Comment is made regarding the maintenance aspect, with particular reference to contact strip and pan head renewal. Reviews present trends in collector head development, including leaf springs, rubber suspension elements and pan head damping. The prospects of materials such as carbon reinforced plastics for articulated frames, and resin bonded glass fibre insulators are discussed. Protective devices to safeguard both pantograph and overhead are mentioned and details of the constant wire height scheme to be developed by the French Railways are included. In conclusion, a brief description is given of the slewing technique being tested by Swedish Railways for the pantographs of vehicles with automatic tilting suspensions.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Mechanical Engineers

  1 Birdcage Walk
  London SW1H 9JJ,   England 
• Authors:
  • Souch, DJW
  • Taylor, G
• Publication Date: 1971

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 374-466
• Serial:
  • Railway Division Journal
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Catenaries (Railroads); Computer programs; Costs; Damping (Physics); Electric insulating materials; Electrical properties; High speed rail; Information processing; Insulating materials; Maintenance management; Pantographs; Plastics; Railroad trains; Spring; Suspensions; Technology
• Uncontrolled Terms: Maintenance costs
• Geographic Terms: France; Germany; Japan; Netherlands; Sweden; United Kingdom; United States
• Subject Areas: Finance; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00033452
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 28 1973 12:00AM