IEC 63453:2025

IEC 63453 ®
Edition 1.0 2025-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Railway applications – Current collection systems – Validation of simulation of
the dynamic interaction between pantograph and overhead contact line

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Secretariat Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews, graphical symbols and the glossary.
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced With a subscription you will always have access to up to date
and withdrawn publications. content tailored to your needs.

IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
details all new publications released. Available online and once
containing more than 22 500 terminological entries in English
a month by email.
and French, with equivalent terms in 25 additional languages.

Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
(IEV) online.
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need

further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
IEC 63453 ®
Edition 1.0 2025-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Railway applications – Current collection systems – Validation of simulation of

the dynamic interaction between pantograph and overhead contact line

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 45.060.01  ISBN 978-2-8327-0095-2

– 2 – IEC 63453:2025 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 13
5 General . 14
5.1 Overview of the validation process . 14
5.2 Typical application . 17
6 Modelling of the pantograph . 17
6.1 General requirements . 17
6.2 Input data requirements . 17
6.2.1 General . 17
6.2.2 Mass – spring – damper models (lumped parameter models) . 18
6.2.3 Multi-body models . 18
6.2.4 Transfer function models . 18
6.2.5 Hardware in the loop . 18
6.3 Validation of pantograph models . 18
7 Modelling of the overhead contact line . 20
7.1 General requirements . 20
7.2 Data requirements . 20
7.3 Static check of overhead contact line model. 21
8 Parameters of simulation . 21
9 Output . 22
9.1 General . 22
9.2 Contact force . 22
9.3 Contact wire displacement . 23
9.4 Pantograph displacement . 23
10 Validation with measured values . 23
10.1 General . 23
10.2 Comparison values . 24
10.3 Limits of validation . 25
10.3.1 Application of simulation tool to other conditions . 25
10.3.2 Permissible changes of pantograph characteristics . 25
10.3.3 Permissible changes of overhead contact line parameters . 25
10.3.4 Permissible changes of the simulation parameters. 25
11 Reference model . 26
11.1 Purpose of reference model . 26
11.2 Reference model data . 26
11.3 Parameters of simulation . 26
11.4 Reference model results . 27
Annex A (normative) Reference model specification . 28
A.1 General . 28
A.2 Overhead contact line data . 28
A.2.1 General data. 28
A.2.2 Special data for the overhead contact line reference model – AC –
Simple . 30

A.2.3 Special data for the reference model of overhead contact line AC –
Stitched . 31
A.2.4 Special data for the reference model of overhead contact line DC –
Simple . 32
A.3 Pantograph data . 33
A.4 Results of simulations for reference models . 34
Annex B (normative) Model specifications and measurement results for validation . 37
B.1 Measurement results of simple AC high speed overhead contact line . 37
B.1.1 Simulation data for overhead contact line model . 37
B.1.2 Pantograph model . 47
B.1.3 Measured data of dynamic interaction for validation. 47
B.2 Measurement results of a stitched AC high speed overhead contact line . 48
B.2.1 General . 48
B.2.2 Simulation data for overhead contact line model . 48
B.2.3 Pantograph data . 59
B.2.4 Calculated and measured data of OCL-rest position for validation . 60
B.2.5 Measuring data of dynamic interaction for validation . 60
B.3 Measurement results of simple DC high speed overhead contact line . 61
B.3.1 General . 61
B.3.2 Simulation data for overhead contact line model . 61
B.3.3 Pantograph data . 75
B.3.4 Measured data of dynamic interaction for validation. 75
Annex C (informative) Assessment process example for dynamic interaction between
"new" OCL design or "new" pantograph design for interoperability purpose . 77
Annex D (informative) National annex for Japan – Permissible changes of the

simulation parameters . 81
Bibliography . 82

Figure 1 – Evaluation process . 16
Figure A.1 – AC – Simple – Overhead contact line model . 30
Figure A.2 – AC – Stitched catenary overhead contact line model . 31
Figure A.3 – DC – Simple catenary overhead contact line model . 32
Figure A.4 – Pantograph model. 33
Figure B.1 – Cantilever model elements in Table B.2, Table B.42 and Table B.49 . 38
Figure B.2 – Basic dropper arrangement span type ST1 . 54
Figure B.3 – Basic dropper arrangement span type ST2 . 54
Figure B.4 – Basic dropper arrangement span type ST3 . 54
Figure B.5 – Basic dropper arrangement span type ST4 . 55
Figure B.6 – Basic dropper arrangement span type ST5 . 55
Figure B.7 – Basic dropper arrangement span type ST6 . 55
Figure B.8 – Basic dropper arrangement span type ST7 . 56
Figure B.9 – Basic support arrangement Mast Type MT1 (pull-off) . 58
Figure B.10 – Basic support arrangement Mast Type MT2 (push-off) . 59
Figure B.11 – Basic support arrangement mast type MT3 (tube steady arm) . 59
Figure C.1 – Method of OCL assessment . 79
Figure C.2 – Method of pantograph assessment . 80

– 4 – IEC 63453:2025 © IEC 2025
Table 1 – Required accuracy of simulated static values . 21
Table 2 – Required accuracy of simulated dynamic values . 24
Table 3 – Combinations of OCL and pantograph reference models . 26
Table A.1 – Data for reference overhead contact lines . 29
Table A.2 – AC – Simple – Overhead contact line model – Geometry and elasticity of
droppers . 31
Table A.3 – AC – Stitched catenary overhead contact line model – Geometry and

elasticity of droppers . 32
Table A.4 – DC – Simple catenary overhead contact line model – Geometry and
elasticity of overhead contact line . 33
Table A.5 – Pantograph model parameters . 34
Table A.6 – Ranges of results from reference model AC simple . 35
Table A.7 – Ranges of results from reference model AC stitched . 35
Table A.8 – Ranges of results from reference model DC simple . 36
Table B.1 – Mechanical values of wires . 37
Table B.2 – Mechanical values of clamps and other OCL-components . 37
Table B.3 – Pre-sag information in open route and overlap . 38
Table B.4 – Cantilever information in open route and overlap: steady arm geometry . 38
Table B.5 – Span definition of tension length 1 . 39
Table B.6 – Span definition of tension length 2 . 39
Table B.7 – Span definition of tension length 3 . 39
Table B.8 – Support definition of tension length 1 . 40
Table B.9 – Support definition of tension length 2 . 41
Table B.10 – Support definition of tension length 3 . 42
Table B.11 – Span length = 44,7 m . 42
Table B.12 – Span length = 45,3 m . 43
Table B.13 – Span length = 45,5 m . 43
Table B.14 – Span length = 45 m . 43
Table B.15 – Span length = 49,5 m . 43
Table B.16 – Span length = 50 m . 43
Table B.17 – Span length = 49,8 m . 43
Table B.18 – Span length = 49,2 m . 43
Table B.19 – Span length = 49,2 m . 44
Table B.20 – Span length = 49,8 m . 44
Table B.21 – Span length = 50 m . 44
Table B.22 – Span length = 48,5 m . 44
Table B.23 – Span length = 49,5 m . 44
Table B.24 – Span length = 54 m . 44
Table B.25 – Span length = 50 m . 45
Table B.26 – Span length = 49,8 m . 45
Table B.27 – Span length = 49,2 m . 45
Table B.28 – Span length = 49,2 m . 45
Table B.29 – Span length = 49,8 m . 45
Table B.30 – Span length = 41 m . 45

Table B.31 – Span length = 38 m . 46
Table B.32 – Span length = 45 m . 46
Table B.33 – Span length = 40 m . 46
Table B.34 – Span length = 47,5 m . 46
Table B.35 – Span length = 49,5 m . 46
Table B.36 – Span length = 54 m . 46
Table B.37 – Span length = 49,8 m . 46
Table B.38 – Span length = 49,2 m . 47
Table B.39 – Pantograph model parameters . 47
Table B.40 – Measurement result from line test . 47
Table B.41 – Mechanical values of wires and tubes . 48
Table B.42 – Mechanical values of clamps and other OCL-components . 49
Table B.43 – Position of droppers and CW-height at dropper . 50
Table B.44 – Data of supports . 56
Table B.45 – Pantograph model parameters . 60
Table B.46 – Dropper length and system elasticity . 60
Table B.47 – Measurement result from line test . 61
Table B.48 – Mechanical values of wires . 62
Table B.49 – Mechanical values of clamps and other OCL-components . 62
Table B.50 – Position of droppers and CW-height at dropper . 63
Table B.51 – Data of supports . 73
Table B.52 – Pantograph model parameters . 75
Table B.53 – Measurement result from line test . 76

– 6 – IEC 63453:2025 © IEC 2025
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS – CURRENT COLLECTION SYSTEMS –
VALIDATION OF SIMULATION OF THE DYNAMIC INTERACTION
BETWEEN PANTOGRAPH AND OVERHEAD CONTACT LINE

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 63453 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 9: Electrical equipment and systems
for railways. It is an International Standard.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
9/3145/FDIS 9/3163/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.

This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 8 – IEC 63453:2025 © IEC 2025
RAILWAY APPLICATIONS – CURRENT COLLECTION SYSTEMS –
VALIDATION OF SIMULATION OF THE DYNAMIC INTERACTION
BETWEEN PANTOGRAPH AND OVERHEAD CONTACT LINE

1 Scope
Simulation techniques are used to assess the dynamic interaction between overhead contact
lines and pantographs, as part of the prediction of current collection quality. This document
specifies functional requirements for the validation of such simulation tools to ensure
confidence in, and mutual acceptance of the results of the simulations.
This document deals with:
– input and output parameters of the simulation;
– comparison with line test measurements, and the characteristics of those line tests;
– validation of pantograph models;
– comparison between different simulation tools;
– limits of application of validated methods to assessments of pantographs and overhead
contact lines.
This document applies to the current collection from an overhead contact line by pantographs
mounted on railway vehicles. It does not apply to trolley bus systems.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60494-1:2013, Railway applications – Rolling stock – Pantographs – Characteristics and
tests – Part 1: Pantographs for main line vehicles
IEC 60913:2024, Railway applications – Fixed installations – Electric traction overhead contact
line systems
IEC 62846:2016, Railway applications – Current collection systems – Requirements for and
validation of measurements of the dynamic interaction between pantograph and overhead
contact line
IEC 62486:2017, Railway applications – Current collection systems – Technical criteria for the
interaction between pantograph and overhead contactline (to achieve free access)

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
contact point
location of mechanical contact between a pantograph contact strip and a
contact wire
3.2
contact force
F
vertical force applied by a pantograph to the overhead contact line
Note 1 to entry: The contact force is the sum of forces of all contact points of one pantograph.
3.3
static contact force
vertical force exerted upward by the collector head on the overhead contact line system at
standstill
[SOURCE: IEC 60494-1:2013, 3.3.5]
3.4
aerodynamic force
additional vertical force applied by the pantograph as a result of air flow around the pantograph
assembly
3.5
mean contact force
F
m
statistical mean value of the contact force
Note 1 to entry: Fm is formed by the static and aerodynamic components of the pantograph contact force.
[SOURCE: IEC 62486:2017, 3.11]
3.6
standard deviation
square root of the sum of the squared sample variance divided by the number
of output values minus 1
3.7
skewness
sk
parameter that quantifies the symmetry of the shape of a data distribution

– 10 – IEC 63453:2025 © IEC 2025
F− F
( )
m
∑
n
sk =
(1)
2
F− F
( )
m

∑

n

3.8
excess of kurtosis
ek
parameter that quantifies whether the shape of the data distribution matches the Gaussian
distribution
F− F
( )
m
∑
n
ek − 3
(2)

F− F
( )
m

∑
n

3.9
minimum contact force
minimum value of the contact force while the pantograph passes over the analysis section
3.10
maximum contact force
maximum value of the contact force while the pantograph passes over the analysis section
3.11
contact loss
condition where the contact force is zero
Note 1 to entry: Contact loss surely induces arcing except in the case of coasting. However, if two or more
pantographs are connected electrically each other, arc will immediately disappear and then the condition will shift to
"current loss".
[SOURCE: IEC 62486:2017, 3.22]
3.12
simulation method
numerical method that uses a fixed set of input parameters describing a system (e.g.
pantograph and overhead contact line system) to calculate a set of output values representative
of the dynamic behaviour of this system
3.13
simulation tool
software implementing one or more simulation methods
3.14
pantograph model
mathematical model in a one- or more-dimensional geometry describing the dynamic
characteristics of the pantograph
=
3.15
mass–spring–damper model
lumped parameter model
method representing a dynamic mechanical system (e.g. pantograph) as a series of discrete
concentrated masses connected together by spring and damper elements
3.16
transfer function
ratio of an applied input on pantograph head to the response of the
pantograph, depending on frequency
3.17
apparent mass
transfer function describing the relation between applied contact force and
resulting acceleration at the contact point for the frequency range of interest
3.18
hardware in the loop
hybrid method (simulation and dynamic laboratory test), where a real pantograph responds
interacting with a simulation model of the overhead contact line
3.19
multi-body model
method representing a dynamic mechanical system (e.g. pantograph) based on interconnected
rigid or flexible bodies
3.20
pantograph head
pantograph pan
part of the pantograph comprising the contact strips and their mountings, horns and possibly a
suspension
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-32-05]
3.21
overhead contact line model
mathematical model in a two- or three-dimensional geometry describing the characteristics of
an overhead contact line for interaction with pantographs
3.22
compound catenary
overhead contact line with one or two contact wires suspended from an auxiliary messenger
wire which is suspended from the main messenger wire
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-33-12 modified: catenary wire to messenger wire,
deleted: equipment]
3.23
messenger wire
longitudinal cable supporting the contact wire or wires either directly or indirectly
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-33-06, deleted: catenary wire]
3.24
wave propagation velocity
speed of a transversal wave, which runs along the contact wire

– 12 – IEC 63453:2025 © IEC 2025
3.25
contact wire height
distance from the top of the rail to the lower face of the contact wire at rest position without
pantograph contacted
Note 1 to entry: The contact wire height is measured perpendicular to the track.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-811:2017, 811-33-62 modified; added: at rest position; deleted: (or road
surface for overhead contact line system for trolleybus applications)]
3.26
maximum uplift at the support
maximum value of the vertical uplift of the contact wire at a support
3.27
analysis section
subset of the total overhead contact line model length over which the simulation will be
evaluated
3.28
frequency range of interest
frequency range within which the dynamic performance of the overhead contact line and
pantograph system is considered
Note 1 to entry: For validation with measurements this range correlates with the frequency range defined in
IEC 62846.
3.29
dynamic interaction
behaviour between pantograph(s) and overhead contact line when in contact, described by
contact forces and vertical displacements of contact point(s)
3.30
frequency band analysis
analysis inside a frequency range of interest using subranges of frequencies to study special
topics
3.31
elasticity of overhead contact line
uplift divided by the force applied to the contact wire in a static state
3.32
range of vertical position of the point of contact
difference between maximum and minimum dynamic height of the contact point, relative to the
track, during dynamic interaction between the pantograph and the contact wire
3.33
operation height
vertical distance between actual operating position of the pantograph and pantograph’s housed
height
3.34
active pantograph
pantograph fitted with any type of active control system which enhances or alters its dynamic
response
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purpose of this document, the following symbols and abbreviated terms apply.
Abbreviated
terms:
AC Pertaining to alternating electric quantities such as voltage or current, to
devices operated with these, or to quantities associated with these devices
CT Centre of the track
CW Contact wire
CWH Contact wire height
CW1H Height of contact wire 1
CW2H Height of contact wire 2
DC Pertaining to time-independent electric quantities such as voltage or
current, to devices operated with direct voltage and current, or to quantities
associated with these devices
FFT Fast Fourier transformation
HIL Hardware in the loop
MT Mast type
MW Messenger wire
Mxx Support or mast number
OCL Overhead contact line
ROCL Rigid overhead contact line
SDx Number of dropper to stitch wire
STx Span type number as reference to figure span number
SW Stitch wire
Symbols:
a Measured vertical acceleration at the contact point
cp,meas
a Simulated vertical acceleration at the contact point
cp,model
C Structural damping matrix
s
c Damping of element n
n
Dx Dropper number
E Modulus of elasticity
e Elasticity of overhead contact line
ek Excess of kurtosis of contact force
F Contact force
F Measured vertical force applied at the contact point
applied,meas
F Simulated vertical force applied at the contact point
applied,model
F Mean contact force
m
F Lateral force at steady arm
sa
f Actual frequency
i
f Maximum frequency
n
– 14 – IEC 63453:2025 © IEC 2025
Symbols:
f Minimum frequency
K Stiffness matrix
k Stiffness of element n
n
L Dropper length
dr
Lx Dropper length (for CW no. x)
dr
L Length of steady arm
sa
M Mass matrix
m Measured apparent mass
app,meas
m Apparent mass of the model
app,model
m Mass of element n
n
n Number of contact force values
Q Accuracy of the pantograph simulation model
sk Skewness of contact force
X Distance between left mast and dropper no. x
α, β Proportional damping coefficients
σ Standard deviation of contact force

5 General
5.1 Overview of the validation process
The theoretical study of the dynamic interaction between pantograph and overhead contact line
by computer simulation makes it possible to obtain much information about the system and to
minimize the costs of line tests.
To be used with confidence the simulation tool shall be validated. The validation for a simulation
tool shall be done in a process described in Figure 1.
A simulation tool validated according to this document, shall be considered for application to
overhead contact line/pantograph combinations and conditions only within the limits of validity
defined in 10.3.
A new validation shall be made when the conditions to apply simulation are outside the
limitations defined in 10.3 for existing validations.

The validation for a simulation tool shall be done with the steps which are shown in Figure 1.
The steps are:
1) A first validation step shall be done by a "desktop assessment" in accordance with
Clause 11. The most relevant reference model data shall be chosen from the reference
models in Annex A for the conditions for which validation is required.
NOTE 1 This desktop assessment will improve the confidence in the simulation tool. As Annex A cannot cover
all possible solutions and combinations, a choice from this subset is possible.
For validation of simulation tools implemented for new technologies in ways that are totally
different from the current state of the art, and which are not able to use models with the data
according to Annex A, the "desktop assessment" may be omitted.
NOTE 2 Typically, all simulation tools for OCL from type "Flexible overhead contact line" according to
IEC 60913 can use models with data according to Annex A.
2) The final assessment shall be done by a "line test data validation" based on test results
according to 10.1 to demonstrate the accuracy of simulation according to 10.2.
Annex B provides data sets from line test measurements in accordance with IEC 62846 to
allow for a validation for a given model within the limitations according to 10.3.
If the accuracy according to either 10.2 or to 11.4 cannot be achieved, then the simulation tool
shall be improved according to 6.3 for pantograph model adjustments and according to 7.3 for
overhead contact line model before revalidation.

– 16 – IEC 63453:2025 © IEC 2025

Figure 1 – Evaluation process
5.2 Typical application
The main purpose of the application of this document is to inform the process for seeking
authorization for an OCL or pantograph design in the context of dynamic interaction.
Annex C shows examples for an assessment process of the elements OCL and pantograph,
using simulation of interaction in the framework of interoperability.
NOTE 1 Examples in Annex C are derived from the authorization process used in Europe for information.
NOTE 2 Other applications, not related to authorizations (e.g., research, technical development), can require a
different process.
6 Modelling of the pantograph
6.1 General requirements
A pantograph model shall describe the dynamic characteristics of a pantograph, regarding
interaction with overhead contact lines, in the frequency range of interest.
Commonly used pantograph models are:
• mass – spring – damper models (lumped parameter models);
• transfer function models;
• multi-body models;
• physical pantographs, when hardware in the loop (HIL) is adopted.
The pantograph may be modelled with one or more dimensional geometry, depending on the
phenomena to be investigated.
For the modelling of active pantographs, the characteristics of control and the dynamic
characteristics shall be available.
Aerodynamic effects on the pantograph shall as a minimum be considered by adjusting the
mean contact force as a function of speed.
6.2 Input data requirements
6.2.1 General
Depending on the modelling method and the individual pantograph characteristics, the relevant
parameters appropriate to fully describe the pantograph shall be available for simulation.
These parameters shall take into account other dependencies (operation height, contact wire
height, stagger, nonlinearities, frequency), as required.
Common parameters of pantographs are:
– kinematics;
– transfer function;
– natural frequencies;
– mass distribution;
– degree of freedom of joints;
– damping characteristics;
– spring characteristics;
– friction values;
– 18 – IEC 63453:2025 © IEC 2025
– stiffness;
– bump stops;
– location of application of the static contact force;
– location of application of the aerodynamic forces.
NOTE Aerodynamic forces usually depend on the running direction of the pantograph, operation height, contact
wire height and position of the pantograph and the type of train and the line conditions as open section/tunnel section.
6.2.2 Mass – spring – damper models (lumped parameter models)
For mass – spring – damper – models (lumped parameter models), the following input is
required:
• mass values of discrete mass element(s);
• stiffness characteristics of joints connecting the discrete masses, including any nonlinearity
(if applicable);
• damping characteristics of joints connecting the discrete masses, including any nonlinearity
(if applicable);
• friction values (if applicable);
• bump stops (if applicable).
NOTE The number of mass elements are in line with the degree of freedom of the system in the frequency range
of interest.
6.2.3 Multi-body models
For multi-body models, the input set out in 6.2.2 and the following additional input is required:
– definition of all parts of the model including mass distributions, inertia characteristics,
flexibility (if applicable);
– kinematics, describing transmission of movements, kinds of joints and their position and
limitations (if applicable);
– internal forces applied to the system and their application points for springs, dampers and
friction elements.
6.2.4 Transfer function models
Transfer function models require as input an analytical definition of the Laplace t
...