Characterization of the dynamic behavior of transition systems between rigid and flexible catenary

Abstract

The study presented will deal with the dynamic behavior that exists before the transition that occurs at the entrance and exit of a tunnel when a rigid catenary has been installed in the latter while flexible catenary systems are maintained abroad. The transition beam used is an element that aims to mitigate the dynamic differences in the strength of the contact that occurs between both types of catenary. Its geometry is based on the rigid beam, having the same initial profile and reducing its section to reduce stiffness. The current rigid catenary and transition mechanisms do not allow passage at speeds above 100 km / h, resulting in loss of contact and electric arcs that increase the wear of the components considerably. This paper focuses on the characterization of the dynamic behavior of current transition systems between types of catenary and proposes an alternative configuration that allows reducing the loss of contact between components for speeds above the known limit. This will allow increasing the range of operating speeds and the installation of rigid catenary in a larger area, reducing the needs of gauge and consequently the diameter of the tunnels to be created. The study presented will deal with the dynamic behavior that exists before the transition that occurs at the entrance and exit of a tunnel when a rigid catenary has been installed in the latter while flexible catenary systems are maintained abroad. The transition beam used is an element that aims to mitigate the dynamic differences in the strength of the contact that occurs between both types of catenary. Its geometry is based on the rigid beam, having the same initial profile and reducing its section to reduce stiffness. The current rigid catenary and transition mechanisms do not allow passage at speeds above 100 km / h, resulting in loss of contact and electric arcs that increase the wear of the components considerably. This paper focuses on the characterization of the dynamic behavior of current transition systems between types of catenary and proposes an alternative configuration that allows reducing the loss of contact between components for speeds above the known limit. This will allow increasing the range of operating speeds and the installation of rigid catenary in a larger area, reducing the needs of gauge and consequently the diameter of the tunnels to be created