Session B: Railway Engineering
Impact of deteriorated tram tracks on the current collectors of trams
1 Department of Lifting-transport and construction machines and systems, „Todor Kableshkov“ University of Transport, Sofia, Bulgaria
2 Department of Telecommunications and Safety Equipment and Systems, „Todor Kableshkov“ University of Transport, Sofia, Bulgaria
2 Department of Telecommunications and Safety Equipment and Systems, „Todor Kableshkov“ University of Transport, Sofia, Bulgaria
Corresponding author: Emil M. Mihaylov · emil.mihaylov@vtu.bg
Abstract
This article presents the results of a measurement campaign conducted during the summer of 2025 in Sofia. The study aims to determine the impact of deteriorated tram tracks on the current collectors of trams. Measurements were carried out on sections of the tram network where the tracks are in emergency or pre-emergency condition. The measured parameters include linear accelerations, angular velocities, and magnetic field values along the three axes. The sensors were positioned on the tram roof and on the collector strip holder. The analysis of the findings includes a comparison of the parameter values recorded at both locations, a general assessment of their impact on the current collector, and a comparison with results from a previous study conducted in 2019. Based on the obtained data, conclusions have been drawn regarding the influence of the tram's lateral sway on the current collector.
Keywords
TramsElectrical current collectorRailroadaccelerometerGyroscopeMagnetometerKalman filter
Cite this paper
Recommended citation · Engineering TODAY style
E. M. Mihaylov, E. Iontchev, and E. Stoyanova, “Impact of deteriorated tram tracks on the current collectors of trams”, Proceedings of the XII International Triennial Conference Engineering TODAY (ET 2026), Vrnjačka Banja (Serbia), pp. B29–B34, https://doi.org/10.46793/ET26.B04M, (2026)