Distributed parameter and finite element models for wave propagation in railway contact lines

A distributed parameter model of a railway two–level catenary system is presented for the analysis of the coupled wave dynamics. The wires are modelled as two straight axis parallel beams, with linear equilibrium equations, and the moving load applied by the pantograph is modelled as a constant concentrated travelling force. The general solution is sought by an application of the Ritz–Galerkin method, and then compared with direct time integrations of a finite element model (FEM), achieved by two different integration schemes. The proposed model provides a valid reference for appropriately selecting the FEM parameters, in order to reduce the errors due to spurious modes, affecting the numerical integrations especially at high speeds of the moving pantograph.