The effect of high-speed Shinkansen train draughts in tunnels on current collection performance

Abstract

It is well-known that the wind speed affecting the pantograph is stronger in tunnels than in the open air on the Shinkansen line. Therefore, the authors measured wind speed, wind direction, dynamic behavior of the overhead contacts line and metal fittings when the Shinkansen train ran through a tunnel at high-speed. This paper discusses the influence of the air flow in a tunnel caused by a high-speed train on current collection performance and the overhead contacts lines. Further, the aerodynamic upward force of the pantograph was estimated on the basis of the measured results. Finally, using the motion simulation of a pantograph and overhead contacts line, their dynamic characteristics at high-speed were evaluated.