Computational Technology Resources - CCC

J.M. Rebelo¹, J. Pombo^1,2,3, P. Antunes^1,2, J. Santos¹, F. Jackson¹, P. Schito⁴, A. Facchinetti⁴, D. Campbell⁵, R. Stainton⁵ and M. Askill⁶

¹Institute of Railway Research, University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom
²IDMEC, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
³ISEL, Instituto Politecnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
⁴Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
⁵, Network Rail, United Kingdom
⁶, Wabtec, United Kingdom

doi:10.4203/ccc.15.10.3

J.M. Rebelo, J. Pombo, P. Antunes, J. Santos, F. Jackson, P. Schito, A. Facchinetti, D. Campbell, R. Stainton, M. Askill, "A Validated Methodology for Assessing Wind-Induced Effects on Pantograph-Catenary Interaction", in J. Pombo, (Editor), "Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Railway Technology: Research, Development and Maintenance ", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK, Online volume: CCC 15, Paper 10.3, 2026, doi:10.4203/ccc.15.10.3

Keywords: pantograph-catenary interaction, aerodynamic loads, CFD simulations, experimental validation, current collection performance, 3D finite element model.

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the aerodynamic behaviour of the HSP pantograph using full-scale wind-tunnel testing, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and pantograph-overhead line equipment (OLE) dynamic simulations. Wind-tunnel tests are conducted across a range of pantograph heights, wind speeds and yaw angles to quantify aerodynamic forces, moments and uplift. Results show that aerodynamic uplift is highly sensitive to pantograph extension, wind speed and flow direction, with increasing variability at higher speeds. A CFD framework is developed and validated against the experimental data, demonstrating good agreement with measured aerodynamic loads. The validated model is subsequently applied to conditions beyond the wind-tunnel envelope, including high-speed headwinds and multiple-pantograph operations. Simulations revealed significant aerodynamic interference effects between pantographs, influenced by spacing, roof-flow development, knuckle orientation and vane angles. The CFD aerodynamic loads are incorporated into pantograph-OLE dynamic simulations. The results show that aerodynamic loading influences contact force magnitude and variability, affecting current collection performance, while generally remaining within acceptance limits. The methodology presented here provides a robust basis for assessing wind-induced pantograph behaviour and supports improved modelling, operational practice and future standards development.

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Front Page Browse CCC CCP CSETS CTR IJRT Other Authors Search Purchase Guide FAQ Contact us	Civil-Comp Conferences ISSN 2753-3239 CCC: 15 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RAILWAY TECHNOLOGY: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE Edited by: J. Pombo Paper 10.3 A Validated Methodology for Assessing Wind-Induced Effects on Pantograph-Catenary Interaction J.M. Rebelo¹, J. Pombo^1,2,3, P. Antunes^1,2, J. Santos¹, F. Jackson¹, P. Schito⁴, A. Facchinetti⁴, D. Campbell⁵, R. Stainton⁵ and M. Askill⁶ ¹Institute of Railway Research, University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom ²IDMEC, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal ³ISEL, Instituto Politecnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal ⁴Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy ⁵, Network Rail, United Kingdom ⁶, Wabtec, United Kingdom doi:10.4203/ccc.15.10.3 Full Bibliographic Reference for this paper J.M. Rebelo, J. Pombo, P. Antunes, J. Santos, F. Jackson, P. Schito, A. Facchinetti, D. Campbell, R. Stainton, M. Askill, "A Validated Methodology for Assessing Wind-Induced Effects on Pantograph-Catenary Interaction", in J. Pombo, (Editor), "Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Railway Technology: Research, Development and Maintenance ", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK, Online volume: CCC 15, Paper 10.3, 2026, doi:10.4203/ccc.15.10.3 Keywords: pantograph-catenary interaction, aerodynamic loads, CFD simulations, experimental validation, current collection performance, 3D finite element model. Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the aerodynamic behaviour of the HSP pantograph using full-scale wind-tunnel testing, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and pantograph-overhead line equipment (OLE) dynamic simulations. Wind-tunnel tests are conducted across a range of pantograph heights, wind speeds and yaw angles to quantify aerodynamic forces, moments and uplift. Results show that aerodynamic uplift is highly sensitive to pantograph extension, wind speed and flow direction, with increasing variability at higher speeds. A CFD framework is developed and validated against the experimental data, demonstrating good agreement with measured aerodynamic loads. The validated model is subsequently applied to conditions beyond the wind-tunnel envelope, including high-speed headwinds and multiple-pantograph operations. Simulations revealed significant aerodynamic interference effects between pantographs, influenced by spacing, roof-flow development, knuckle orientation and vane angles. The CFD aerodynamic loads are incorporated into pantograph-OLE dynamic simulations. The results show that aerodynamic loading influences contact force magnitude and variability, affecting current collection performance, while generally remaining within acceptance limits. The methodology presented here provides a robust basis for assessing wind-induced pantograph behaviour and supports improved modelling, operational practice and future standards development. download the full-text of this paper (PDF, 2233 Kb) go to the previous paper go to the next paper return to the table of contents return to the volume description
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