Analysis and Rectification Measures of Seasonal Carbon Strips Abnormal Wear on Chengdu Metro Line 9 Trains

Objective To solve the problem of seasonal abnormal wear of pantograph carbon strips on Chengdu Metro Line 9 trains and ensure the service life of equipment and operational safety, it is necessary to study the causes of the abnormal wear and corresponding rectification measures.

Method Firstly, the abnormal wear of carbon strips on Chengdu Metro Line 9 trains is systematically reviewed, and the influencing factors of wear are analyzed from three aspects: pantograph-catenary contact pressure, carbon strip material, and catenary current. Secondly, the effect pattern of ambient temperature and humidity on carbon strip wear is emphatically analyzed. Finally, based on the analysis results, targeted rectification measures for seasonal abnormal wear are proposed from optimizing the pantograph-catenary coordination state, applying lubricating grease, and humidifying the tunnel three aspects, thereby forming a systematic and comprehensive improvement plan for the seasonal wear.

Result & Conclusion  The research results show that there is a significant negative correlation between ambient humidity and carbon strip wear rate. When the ambient humidity falls below the critical value, the carbon strip wear rate will increase abnormally. By implementing comprehensive rectification measures such as catenary preventive inspection and grinding, carbon strips chamfering, and tunnel humidification, the carbon strip wear rate decreases from 5.76 mm/10 000 km before rectification to 3.10 mm/10 000 km, with a reduction of 46%. The proposed rectification measures can keep the carbon strip wear rate within a safe threshold, so as to ensure the safe and stable operation of trains.