Effects of Crosswind on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of High-speed Pantograph

Nowadays, electric traction is applied in highspeed trains, and the effects of crosswind increase the instability of the pantograph turbulence, so higher requirements are put forward for the good contact between pantograph and catenary. A new type of pantograph of working height of 2800 mm and a running speed of 400 km/h was taken as the object in this study. Based on the three-dimensional, steady, incompressible N-S equation and k-omega SST (Shear Stress Transport) turbulence model, the variation of aerodynamic force and aerodynamic lift force with different crosswind speed and yaw angle were analyzed. The results show as follows: aerodynamic force and aerodynamic lift force of pantograph increase with increasing crosswind speed. The most dangerous situation of pantograph occurs while the crosswind speed is 30 m/s and the yaw angle is 60 degrees, where the aerodynamic lift force is twice than without crosswind, and the flow field around the pantograph becomes more complicated, resulting in poor current collection between pantograph and catenary. Consequently, high-speed trains should slow down or stop running in the strong crosswind environment.