A hybrid method to simulate the interaction of pantograph and catenary on overlap span

The process of model set-up for the full system (the catenary system, the pantograph system and the overlap span) is described in detail. Especially, the nonlinear element of the dropper (may be slacken) is drawn out and is considered independently. Its dynamic force is exerted on the catenary wire and the contact wire separately. By the interface of the software ANSYS and Visual C++, the initial tension of each dropper is carried out for any appointed sag. On the basis of this, the static curve of the catenary wire and the contact wire is figured out and the final length of the dropper is obtained accordingly to offer effective guidance for the workers on the spot. Adjusting the original model of the pantograph system, the problem of the overlap span is solved. At last, by using a hybrid method, FEM and mode superposition technique, the degrees of the full system is reduced greatly and the computational speed increases. The result of the simulation is fit for the actual phenomenon. Thus, the method of this paper is valid.