Numerical method for calculating the dynamic behaviour of a trolley wire overhead contact system for electric railways

Abstract

A numerical method is described that has been used for predicting the dynamic behaviour of a trolley wire overhead contact system when disturbed by the pantograph on the train roof. The vertical motion of the trolley wire is given by the solution of a fourth order partial differential equation and that of the pantograph is given by the solution of ordinary differential equations, these two solutions being linked by the conditions holding at the contact point. Results obtained from the method have encouraged British Rail to set up a test line of this equipment to see if a trolley wire can be developed as a cheap alternative to the present more elaborate systems. © 1970 The British Computer Society.