Contact interaction simulation for a pantograph-catenary wire pair taking into account thermal processes
The peculiarities of the finite element simulation of the “electric train current collector insert - catenary wire” contact pair interaction are investigated considering their thermal strength analysis realization. As an instrument of multidisciplinary numerical simulation, the software complex ANSYS is used. Using the ANSYS Mechanical package, the nonlinear problem of heat exchange between the pantograph and the catenary wire is solved. The temperature distribution in the contacting elements is obtained considering both the heat transfer in the contact zone of the carbon insert and the heat exchange with the environment. Also using the ANSYS Workbench package, a related analysis of the stress and temperature fields for the bodies under consideration is performed at their relative displacement. The heat release and its distribution over the volume of the elements as a result of the contacting bodies relative motion are investigated. It is determined, how much the temperature of the contacting elements changes due to their friction. The simulation results can be used in the future when considering the thermal processes caused by the flow of the current.