Slide Current Collection with Disulfide Lubricant in High-Speed Transport Systems

Abstract: A solid lubricant based on molybdenum disulfide is proposed for use in reducing the wear of the contact strip in the pantograph of high-speed railroad vehicles and the overhead conductor. This article also considers the impact of MHD force generated under the influence of the lubricant and electromagnetic field in the contact zone on the characteristics of current collection such as the slide contact transient voltage and the distributed current density under the contact strip. The optimal gap between the contact strip and the overhead conductor is determined, which is conditioned by the lubricant amount supplied to the contact zone. The technique recommended on the basis of the derived equations to reduce the repulsive MHD force consists in controlling the force of pressing the additional molybdenum disulfide strip provided the electrical and mechanical losses in the contact are minimal. © 2019, Allerton Press, Inc.