THE RAM AIR CUSHION-ADVANCED FLUID SUSPENSION FOR TRACKED LEVITATED VEHICLES

A new fluid suspension concept for high speed ground transportation vehicles is described which combines the advantages of aerodynamic and air cushion support. An elementary analysis of the suspension characteristics is given which shows how the natural frequency and damping can be established at any desired value. The advantages and disadvantages relative to other types of suspension are discussed, along with concepts for active control. Experiments to determine the performance and dynamic characteristics of the suspension are briefly described.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the Intersociety Conference on Transportation, September 23-27, 1973.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142
• Authors:
  • Barrows, T M
• Publication Date: 1973-7

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Intelligent transportation systems; Tracked air cushion vehicles
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems; Ram wing vehicles
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00050053
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ASME Journal of Mechanical Engineering
• Report/Paper Numbers: 73-ICT-14
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 13 1976 12:00AM