AIR CUSHION SUPPORT FOR EVACUATED TUBE SYSTEM VEHICLES

The practicality of a plenum-type air cushion suspension for evacuated tube system (TVS) vehicles is examined from the standpoint of ideal air cushion/vehicle characteristics (power, mass flow, self-support velocity, cushion temperature), the compressor design, and the compressor efficiency under low pressure operating conditions. For a representative 100,000 lb TVS vehicle, an air cushion suspension is shown to be practical from all standpoints, providing tube pressure is no less than .015 atm, and the cushion gap is of the order of .01 ft. The method of analysis is presented graphically in a manner readily permitting analysis of other TVS configurations. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  MITRE Corporation

  Bedford, MA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Fraize, W E
• Publication Date: 1971-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 22 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cushion vehicles; Compressors; Design; Ground effect; Numerical analysis; Passenger vehicles; Pneumatic conveyors; Pressure; Suspension systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Tube vehicles
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039282
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FRA-RT-72-21 Tech Rpt
• Contract Numbers: C-7-35248
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 1973 12:00AM