Study on the Ablation of Slide Plate by Pantograph–Catenary Arc Based on Pantograph Slide Material

The ablation of pantograph sliders caused by pantograph–catenary arcing is a critical issue in the operation of pantograph–catenary systems. The arc discharge induces localized high temperatures that lead to the melting and even evaporation of the slider material, resulting in material loss. This phenomenon directly impacts the power supply safety and economic efficiency of trains. This study establishes a mathematical model of pantograph–catenary arcing based on Magneto Hydro Dynamics (MHD) theory, incorporating the physical parameters of the arc as well as electromagnetic, thermal, and radiative phenomena. Through secondary development using COMSOL 6.2 finite element software, the temperature distribution within the arc column region and on the surfaces of the electrode plates in pantograph–catenary arcing was simulated. The effects of the pantograph–catenary gap and slider material on arc ablation were investigated. The results show that with the increase in the distance between the pantograph and catenary, the arc shape lengthens gradually, and the high-temperature area inside the slider material shrinks gradually. When the arc duration is constant, the copper-impregnated carbon slider exhibits the best ablation resistance. Increasing the sublimation latent heat of the slider material enhances its anti-ablation performance. The findings of this study provide a valuable reference for understanding and mitigating surface arc erosion in pantograph–catenary systems.