Identification of short-wavelength contact wire irregularities in electrified railway pantograph–catenary system

• Propose two approaches to identify catenary short-wavelength irregularity. 1/8 of dropper interval wavelength can reflect effect local imperfection. Periodic irregularity introduces non-Gaussian behaviour into contact force. Time-frequency representation be used detect periodic The common types irregularities (local imperfections and irregularities) the railway on pantograph–catenary interaction performance are studied their potential identification explored in this paper. analysis intrinsic mode functions panhead acceleration indicates that imperfection reflected high-order deformation wire. cut-off frequency is suggested cover smaller than distance, which instantaneous energy obtained by Hilbert transform localise recognised as introduction force at specific wavelengths. Thus, spectral kurtosis utilised deviating wavelength. localised time-frequency function containing identified examples with measurement data indicate validation present methods some improvements current equipment.