Recent developments on pantograph-overhead line interaction

Railway transport plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of modern societies, breaking down barriers of distance and travel time, with recognised high levels of safety and comfort, and low carbon emissions. One crucial element for the reliable operation of electric-powered trains concerns the energy collection system and the ability to supply a proper and uninterrupted source of electricity to the train, maintaining the required operational speeds with no losses of service. This paper presents a state-of-the-art on pantograph-overhead line interaction, including modelling methodologies, hybrid simulations, testing, wear and degradation mechanisms, aerodynamics and emerging trends in this area of knowledge.