The results of the stitched catenary-pantograph interaction benchmark

This paper describes the results of a new voluntary benchmark initiative concerning the simulation of pantograph–catenary interaction, which was proposed and coordinated by Universitat Politècnica de València and Politecnico di Milano, expanding the scope of the previous benchmark carried out in 2014. This benchmark addresses systems of higher modelling complexity by considering two stitched catenary models (one for high-speed and one for conventional-speed applications) and including an overlap section. This paper aims to present and discuss the results in these advanced simulation scenarios, and to assess their dispersion, demonstrating the degree of agreement between the different numerical methodologies. One initial static configuration and three dynamic simulation cases were defined for each of the two considered catenaries. The dynamic simulations were performed at the nominal speed, as well as at 50% and 70% of the wave propagation speed. Furthermore, all simulations incorporate a multiple-operation setup featuring two pantographs. These cases were run using 8 simulation codes presently in use for the study of pantograph–catenary interaction, participated by 6 European institutions, 1 Asian institution, and 1 collaboration between a European and an Asian institution. All input data required to run the study cases are also provided, allowing the use of this new benchmark as a renewed term of comparison for other simulation codes.