Dynamic assessment of existing soft catenary systems using modal analysis to explore higher train velocities: a case study of a Norwegian contact line system

Abstract

Significant advances made on the rolling stock have considerably increased the possibility of higher speeds in existing railways. Thus, it is important to explore higher speeds and potential limiting factors of existing soft catenary systems. The present paper investigates procedures to assess the dynamic behaviour of these systems using response sampling and modal analysis. The assessment evaluates and quantifies dynamic response along the section. To verify the approach, a case study is conducted and the following assessment methods are used: lengthwise track correlation estimating dynamic predictability, power spectral density estimations before and after passage and short-time Fourier transforms and spectrograms. The combination provides detailed information on the dynamic behaviour. The first part introduces necessary considerations for suggested modal analysis. The second part describes an existing Norwegian section. The case study is conducted using a finite element model including a straight and a given section between Oslo-Trondheim, providing detailed evaluations and system limitation detections.

Keywords:

• dynamic assessment
• catenary–pantograph interaction
• soft catenary system
• short-time Fourier analysis
• spectral analysis
• cross-correlation analysis

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Norwegian National Rail Road Administration for funding this research and for all their assistance on sight at the Soknedal section.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.