Experimental studies of pantograph head suspension equipped with controlled pneumatic elements

The article describes factors which affect the panhead elastic elements performance during their operation. An analysis of these factors shows the need to use elastic elements with a controlled static characteristic at constant stiffness to ensure reliable current collection. The existing controlled pneumatic elements used in the panhead suspension of electric rolling stock are considered. Authors offer to use intra-spring pneumatic elements in panhead suspension. A study of the interaction of a pantograph and an overhead contact line is described. A methodology for experimental studies of pantographs equipped with controlled elastic elements in a head suspension has been developed. The experimental oscillation test system is described. An experiment was carried out according to the developed experiment design. The obtained data allow to build a regression model that characterises the standard deviation of the contact force on the frequency of vertical oscillations generated by the contact wire, the static force of the pantograph and the pressure in the intra-spring pneumatic element. The results of experimental studies indicate the preservation of the stiffness of the intra-spring pneumatic element within its static characteristics.