A modal coordinate catenary model for the real-time simulations of the pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction

Abstract

[EN] The computational cost required to simulate the pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction can be a limiting factor in certain applications. Specifically, for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations, real-time capabilities of the software are imperative. In this paper, we propose to combine a modal coordinate approach with an offline/online strategy to build a very efficient simulation strategy. The proposed approach preserves the accuracy of the results, compared with those obtained by classical finite element strategies. We also define and validate a criterion for a priori truncation of the modal basis and analyse the effect of explicit treatment of the interaction force. The results show that the method presented could be used in pantograph HIL tests.