Simulation of Wear and Ablation Evolution of Metal-Impregnated Carbon Pantograph Slippers Under Multi-Physics Coupling Based on Cellular Automata

The pantograph slipper is a critical component in the power supply system of electrified railways, operating under complex multi-physics coupling of mechanical friction, Joule heating, and arc ablation. Variations in its material properties significantly affect the safety and stability of current collection. In this study, a thermal-electrical-mechanical coupled mesoscale model based on cellular automata (CA) was developed for metal-impregnated carbon slippers. The model incorporates arc thermal input, a current density distribution function, and the Archard adhesive wear model, enabling real-time updates of material properties and field variables. Simulations were conducted under two arc-current levels (200 A and 400 A) to investigate the effects of copper content on surface morphology evolution, wear behavior, and temperature distribution. Results indicate that higher arc current intensifies both ablation and mechanical wear due to enhanced thermo-mechanical interaction. Copper content influences thermal conductivity and wear mechanisms; within the studied range, the slipper with approximately 25% copper demonstrated optimal resistance to both ablation and wear. The proposed model clarifies the coupled degradation mechanisms of pantograph slippers and offers theoretical guidance for optimizing material composition and evaluating service performance under varying electrical and mechanical conditions.