Nonlinear Dynamic Behaviour of Coupled Suspension Systems

A two degrees of freedom model of two coupled suspension systems characterised by piecewise linear stiffness has been studied. The system, representing a pantograph current collector head, is shown to be sensitive to changes in excitation and system parameters, possessing chaotic, periodic and quasiperiodic behaviour. The coupled system has a more irregular behaviour with larger motions than the uncoupled suspension system, indicating that the response from the uncoupled suspension system cannot be used as a worst case measure. Since small changes in system parameters and excitation affect the results drastically then wear and mounting as well as actual operating conditions are crucial factors for the system behaviour.