Modeling the Pantograph-Catenary Contact in Electric Railway Transportation using Group Method of Data Handling

The paper presents a modeling of the variation of the zigzag movement as well as of the vertical movement made by the pantograph when the electrical locomotive moves to the contact with the feed wire. The monitoring of the variation of the contact wire movement is important because it provides information on the quality of the electrical contact between the catenary and pantograph. The modeling was done using the Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) method, using the results of the measurements of these movements made by an inspection locomotive on a railway section. Also, an estimate of the moments in which the contact pendulum is weakened or broken is also made.