Current-Carrying Tribology of Pantograph–Catenary Systems Under Icing Conditions: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Protection Strategies

Review article, 2026

The pantograph–catenary system (PCS) is a critical component through which electrified railway trains obtain electrical energy, and the current-carrying friction and wear behavior at the pantograph–catenary interface directly affect current collection quality and operational safety. Water environments, particularly icing conditions, may induce contact instability, arc ablation, and abnormal wear. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of research progress on the current-carrying friction and wear behavior of C/Cu contact pairs under water environments. It focuses on the interfacial evolution characteristics under three different phase states of water and analyzes their influence mechanisms on lubrication conditions, current transmission, and wear behavior. Typical protection strategies, including speed restriction, mechanical de-icing, thermal de-icing, and anti-icing measures, are summarized, and their applicability and current development status are discussed. Finally, it is suggested that future research should focus on the development of high-performance carbon strip materials, accurate monitoring of ice morphology and types, and efficient hybrid anti-/de-icing technologies, thereby ensuring the reliable operation of high-speed railways under icing conditions.