Abstract The sliding contact of the pantograph–overhead catenary system (PCS) causes wear of the contacting surfaces, which is a major issue for the maintenance of the rolling stock and overhead equipment. This phenomenon involves complex interrelations between mechanical, electrical, and thermal effects, posing significant challenges in modeling the wear process and finding mitigation measures. This paper reviews recent research concerned with wear in the PCS. The laboratory test rigs used for experimental investigations are described and compared. Then, the wear mechanism is analyzed to outline the effects of critical parameters such as contact force, electric current, arcs, ambient factors, and materials. The definition and use of wear models, as well as numerical methods for simulating the long-term wear effects in the PCS are summarized. Finally, gaps in present research and future research needs are identified, with particular emphasis on addressing the effects of uncertainties related to environmental factors and finding measures to mitigate abnormal wear phenomena recently reported in railway systems.
Luo et al. (2026) studied this question.