Simulation Tools for Virtual Homologation of Pantographs

This paper addresses the use of numerical simulations to extend the physical pantograph homologation to virtual processes. Based on existing standards criteria, the methodology presented here leads to time reduction and cost savings in an effort for the acceptance of a new vehicle already accepted in other countries. The main goal is to guarantee full confidence in the proposed methodology and to make the final homologation decision easier to take. It is composed of three steps: "validation", "modification" and "extension". Firstly, an enhanced validation tool is proposed to improve comparisons between simulation and inline measurements. Secondly, several kinds of irregularities are introduced in the numerical models such as contact wire height and aerodynamic forces to make the simulations closer to the operating conditions. Finally, a new graphical tool is proposed in order to assess the dynamic behaviour of the interoperable pantograph catenary couple in a large range of operational conditions. Called a "homologation map", this mapping tool gathers existing limits from the standards on the same graph. This procedure is exemplified by extending the homologation of a French pantograph under the German catenary and applied to multiple units.