CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF THE TRACKED MAGNETICALLY LEVITATED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (TMLV)--REPULSION SCHEME; VOLUME 1 - TECHNICAL STUDIES

This report summarizes the studies of a program to establish the technology of magnetic suspension for ultimate use in a passenger-carrying high-speed ground transportation (HSGT) system - at speeds on the order of 134 m/s (300 mph). Magnetic Levitation (MAGLEV) is one of the advanced vehicle suspension concepts considered as alternatives to conventional transportation modes in the short-haul regime. These advanced systems have the potential of alleviating the heavy traffic congestion predicted for the highly populated regions of the U.S. in the 1985-1995 period. The national energy shortage has intensified the search for more energy-efficient and cost-effective transportation modes. This volume summarizes the analyses and designs which demonstrate the performance of the system including the ability to meet the DOT ride quality standards on straight and level guideways as well as on curves and grade transitions. Conceptual designs and costs are shown for the vehicles, guideways, and the complete system. Various propulsion systems and guideway configurations are investigated, and a simple economic model is developed for the evaluation of MAGLEV systems on a cost per seat-mile or cost per passenger-mile basis.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This project was sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration, DOT.
• Corporate Authors:

  Ford Motor Company

  Scientific Research Staff, American Road
  Dearborn, MI  United States  48121

  Philco-Ford Corporation

  Aeronautronic Division, Ford Road
  Newport Beach, CA  United States  92663

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Research and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Publication Date: 1975-2

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures;
• Pagination: 380 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Guideways; High speed vehicles; Intelligent transportation systems; Magnetic levitation; Ride quality; Vehicle dynamics
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems; High speed ground vehicles
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00129199
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Railroad Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FRA-OR&D-75-21 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-40024
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 4 1976 12:00AM