A reduction in the number of pantographs of a train-set or in the number of contact strips of a pantograph to improve the performance of the pantograph-catenary system results in an increase in the collecting current density per strip. The wear of contact strip is governed mainly by arc discharge occurring simultaneously with contact break between the contact strip and contact wire. Due to the increase in the collecting current density, the effect of arc discharge on the contact strip becomes more significant than ever and the existing metallized carbon contact strips cannot cope with such a severe condition. We have improved the electrical conductivity of the existing contact strips, tested them for wear in a laboratory, mounted them on a pantograph of electric vehicle and investigated their resistance to wear and contact break arc discharge. This paper describes the results of laboratory and field tests.

Copyright (c) 2001 Railway Technical Research Institute