Analysis on Mechanical Characteristics of Catenary Positive Feeder in Gale Area

ABSTRACT To investigate the mechanical characteristics of catenary positive feeders under galloping state in gale areas, the aluminium cable steel reinforced (ACSR) LGJ-300/25 used in the catenary positive feeder of the Lanzhou- Urumqi high-speed railway is taken as an example. Then, on the basis of galloping amplitude and frequency, the tension on the conductor is deduced. In accordance with the structural and material characteristics of the conductor, a 3D finite element model of the positive feeder is constructed by ABAQUS software. The correctness of the model is verified by comparing the theoretical calculation and simulation results of tension stratification. Different tensile loads are applied to the model to simulate the force of the positive feeder under different galloping degrees, and the mechanical changes of the whole and sections of the steel and aluminium strands are analysed. Results show that under tensile load, the overall deformation of the positive feeder presents a stepped distribution, and the tension of the steel core and aluminium strand varies from inside to outside; the tension ratio is approximately 3:2. The stress at the outlet of the suspension clamp is complex and prone to stress concentration, which mainly cause the fatigue damage of the positive feeder. The results of this study can provide a theoretical reference for the selection and optimal design of electrified railway conductors in gale areas.