Process Simulation of Humidity and Airflow Effects on Arc Discharge Characteristics in Pantograph–Catenary Systems

The electrical arcs generated by high-speed dynamic separation between pantograph and catenary systems pose a significant threat to the operational safety of high-speed railways. Environmental factors, particularly relative humidity and airflow, critically influence arc characteristics. This study establishes a two-dimensional pantograph–catenary arc model based on magnetohydrodynamic theory, validated through a self-developed experimental platform. Research findings demonstrate that as relative humidity increases from 25% to 100%, the core arc temperature decreases from 10,500 K to 9000 K due to enhanced heat dissipation in humid air and electron capture by water molecules; the peak arc voltage rises from 37.25 V to 48.17 V resulting from accelerated deionization processes under high humidity conditions; the average arc energy in polar regions increases from 2.5 × 10⁻⁴ J/m³ to 3.5 × 10⁻⁴ J/m³, exhibiting a saddle-shaped distribution; and the maximum arc pressure declines from 5.3 Pa to 3.7 Pa. Under airflow conditions of 10–30 m/s, synergistic effects between airflow and humidity further modify arc behavior. The most pronounced temperature fluctuations and most frequent arc root migration occur at 100% humidity with 30 m/s airflow, while the shortest travel distance and longest persistence are observed at 25% humidity with 10 m/s airflow, as airflow accelerates heat dissipation and promotes arc root alternation. Experimental measurements of arc radiation intensity and temperature distribution show excellent agreement with simulation results, verifying the model’s reliability. This study quantitatively elucidates the influence patterns of humidity and airflow on arc characteristics, providing a theoretical foundation for enhancing pantograph–catenary system reliability.