Time Transition of Temperature Distribution in Cross Section of Contact Wire Contacted with Disconnection Arc on Its Surface

The separation of the contact wire and the contact strip causes a disconnection arc, which rarely leads to disconnection of the contact wire, so its prevention is very important. To prevent the disconnection of contact wire, it is needed to elucidate the conditions for disconnection. Some researchers have simulated the appearance of the disconnection arc and the rising temperature of the contact wire. Few researchers have reported the time transition of temperature distribution in cross section of contact wire contacted with disconnection arc on its surface. This research using simulation shows how to rise the temperature of the contact wire which is higher than the softening temperature at connection point between the contact wire and disconnection arc. The initial temperature of the contact wire is calculated by Joule’s heating under consideration of current flow in contact wire for real situation. As a result, time transition of temperature distribution in cross section of contact wire contacted with disconnection arc on its surface is the area that is more than 700 K with time. Therefore, temperature rise of contact wire generated by Joule’s heating for current flow in contact wire plays an important role for disconnection of contact wire.