In recent years

with the improvement of running speed and current density of train

the electric contact status between pantograph and catenary is becoming more and more complex

which puts forward an urgent request for systematic study on theory and technology of electric contact between pantograph and catenary.Consequently

we reviewed the research advances in contact resistance

thermal effect

friction and wear characteristics

and materials for pantograph strip. Main conclusions are drawn as follows: 1)The observation of parameters

mechanism analyses

and mathematic model of contact resistance between pantograph and catenary still have a lot of work to be carried out. Proper test method and diagnostic technology of electric contact are required to be further discussed

while the mathematical model of contact resistance needs more research. 2) The research on the thermal effect will continue to heat up. With the methods combining experiment and simulation

the temperature rise and its distribution on the contact surface

pantograph strip and catenary wire will obtain continuous attention

especially the influence of rain

snow and other special weather conditions on thermal effect. 3) The effects of arc characteristics as well as the improved running speed on the wear process should be valued

and the prediction model of wear rate of materials for pantograph and catenary should be established. 4) The research of new materials for pantograph strip still requires to be strengthened. A proper pantograph material which meets the key requirements should be chosen based on the specific conditions of different trains for specific use.