Keywords: review, PRISMA, systematic mapping, overhead conductor rail, rigid catenary, pantograph, simulation, contact force, numerical methods.

Numerical simulations of the pantograph and overhead conductor rail (OCR) dynamic interaction are widely used to evaluate contact quality and assessing effects on current collection, wear and components. This study systematically maps numerical modeling approaches and evaluation measures for pantograph-OCR dynamics, following the PRISMA methodology. Searches in Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore yielded 259 publications, of which 41 were analyzed in detail. The OCR is mainly modeled using beam-based formulations using finite element discretization or global shape-function superposition. Discrete components such as supports are typically represented as equivalent spring-mass systems. Pantographs are most often modeled as lumped-mass systems, followed by multi-body formulations, while fully-flexible finite element models are rare. Contact is predominantly treated using penalty methods. Many studies omit key numerical parameters, such as time step or element length. Main elements and measures, concerning the dynamic contact force, have been identified in the publications and compiled in a comprehensive overview. Most studies focus on parameter variations, such as train speed, span length, and geometry or material properties. Wear-related phenomena emerge as a major research theme.

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