NONLINEAR AND FINITE PAD LENGTH PERFORMANCE OF VEHICLE AIR CUSHION SUSPENSIONS

Nonlinear and small perturbation linear models for the one-dimensional heave motion of a basic flexible-skirted air cushion suspension are formulated. A study of linear and nonlinear model characteristics under transient guideway and external force inputs is conducted to determine over what range of cushion configurations, operating conditions and input disturbance levels a linear model provides a good approximation to the nonlinear cushion model. The performance of a finite pad length suspension on a guideway containing random irregularities is determined. To illustrate the design information resulting from the transient performance and finite pad length study, the prototype designs of suspensions for intraurban and intercity vehicles are discussed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Engineering Projects Laboratory
  Cambridge, MA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Wormley, D N
  • Garg, D P
  • Boghani, A B
• Publication Date: 1972-2

Media Info

• Pagination: 130 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cushion vehicles; Air suspension systems; Computer programming; Design standards; Equations of motion; Guideways; Intelligent transportation systems; Passenger cars; Passenger vehicles; Performance evaluations; Statistical analysis; Suspension systems; Urban transportation
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems; Flexible skirts; Response; Skirts
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00041874
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: EPL-72-72966-1 Final Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-10007
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 9 1973 12:00AM