Open Access

ARTICLE

Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of High-Speed Pantographs with Supporting Beam Wind Deflectors

by Shiyang Song^1,*, Tongxin Han²

1 Postgraduate Department, China Academy of Railway Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
2 Locomotive & Car Research Institute, China Academy of Railway Sciences Corporation Limited, Beijing, 100081, China

* Corresponding Author: Shiyang Song. Email:

Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing 2024, 20(1), 127-145. https://doi.org/10.32604/fdmp.2023.030137

Received 23 March 2023; Accepted 13 June 2023; Issue published 08 November 2023

Abstract

Aiming to mitigate the aerodynamic lift force imbalance between pantograph strips, which exacerbates wear and affects the current collection performance of the pantograph-catenary system, a study has been conducted to support the beam deflector optimization using a combination of experimental measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The results demonstrate that the size, position, and installation orientation of the wind deflectors significantly influence the amount of force compensation. They also indicate that the front strip deflectors should be installed downwards and the rear strip deflectors upwards, thereby forming a “π” shape. Moreover, the lift force compensation provided by the wind deflectors increases with the size of the deflector. Alternative wind compensation strategies, such as control circuits, are also discussed, putting emphasis on the pros and cons of various pantograph types and wind compensation approaches.

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Keywords

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