Mechanical performance evaluation of composite hybrid pantograph upper arm under environmental cyclic conditions: Experimental verification

Abstract

In this study, a carbon/epoxy-aluminium hybrid upper arm of a pantograph for high-speed trains was designed and the mechanical performance was experimentally verified under operating conditions. For high driving speeds, i.e., above 300 km/h, the structural stiffness of the upper arm, which is the most crucial component of a pantograph, was enhanced by using high-stiffness carbon/epoxy composites. After fabricating the hybrid upper arm of the pantograph, the structural integrity was evaluated by thermal cycle testing under driving conditions (dynamic impact loading and environmental temperature of - 35 to 40 degrees C). The results prove that the developed hybrid upper arm of the pantograph has a 21% weight reduction and 90% stiffness enhancement.