Method of estimating contact wire stresses using three-dimensional OCL/pantograph simulation

Abstract

The contact force between the contact wire of overhead contact line (OCL) and the pantographs causes the contact wire to deform. This deformation causes bending strain in the contact wire. Where fittings such as contact wire splices, electrical connectors, and pull-off arms are attached to the contact wire, relatively large bending strain occurs on contact wire. If the bending strain exceeds the fatigue limit, the contact wire may fatigue and break. It is therefore important to understand the bending strain in order to ensure stable transport. However, it is not easy to measure the bending strain on a commercial line because the high voltage is supplied to the OCL. Therefore, we have developed a method to estimate the bending strain using the three-dimensional OCL/pantograph simulation that we have already developed.