Why doesn't the pantograph on the top of the train get worn out?

The mission of the pantograph is to maintain contact with the overhead contact line to supply power to high-speed trains. It presses

 against the contact line with a certain pressure to ensure the stability and continuity of power transmission. The contact surface of the

 pantograph is made of graphite, which not only has excellent electrical conductivity but also functions as a solid lubricant, reducing

 friction and extending the service life of the components.

The design of the overhead contact system also takes into account the issue of wear. It is arranged in a zigzag pattern. This design 

ensures that the contact surface of the pantograph is worn evenly, thereby extending the service life of the components. However, this 

does not mean that the pantograph can never be damaged. According to statistics from a locomotive maintenance section, the average 

lifespan of pure carbon plates is approximately 7,000 locomotive kilometers, meaning that 16 plates need to be replaced for every 7,000

 kilometers of operation.

The wear degree of the carbon slider is closely related to the running speed, environmental factors and maintenance conditions. When 

the high-speed train reaches a speed of 300 kilometers per hour, due to the vibration and impact force caused by the high-speed 

operation, the wear speed of the carbon slider will accelerate. However, the railway department can effectively monitor the wear 

condition of the carbon slider through regular inspections and maintenance, and replace the severely worn sliders in time to ensure the

 safe operation of the high-speed train.

Furthermore, in order to further extend the service life of the pantograph, the railway department has taken a number of measures. For 

instance, they conduct regular maintenance and servicing of the pantograph to ensure it is in the best working condition; they employ 

advanced monitoring technologies to monitor the working status of the pantograph in real time; and they optimize the layout and

 design of the contact network to reduce the wear on the pantograph.

In conclusion, although the pantograph faces the challenge of wear and tear on high-speed trains, through scientific design and 

effective maintenance, its service life can be significantly extended, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the high-speed rail.