Finite element periodic catenary model to perform HIL pantograph tests considering non-linear dropper behaviour

Abstract

[EN] In this paper, we propose a general approach to compute the dynamic response of periodic infinite structures subjected to a moving load. The method only considers one repetitive block of the structure which is modelled by the Finite Element Method. The problem is first shifted to the frequency domain where the periodicity condition is easily applied and then the temporal response is obtained. An infinite periodic catenary system has been chosen to illustrate the proposed formulation. The linear formulation is extended to include the non-linear behaviour of droppers. The efficiency and accuracy of the catenary model obtained makes it very suitable for use in Hardware in the Loop (HIL) pantograph tests. We propose to combine this catenary model with an iterative strategy to achieve the steady-state response of the coupled system and its performance is analysed in a virtual HIL simulation.