STUDY OF MAGNETIC LEVITATION AND LINEAR SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR PROPULSION

This report describes progress made during 1972 in an investigation into the use of superconducting magnets for the levitation and synchronous propulsion of high speed vehicles. Primary consideration has been given to engineering studies of the magnet and propulsion systems, including lift and drag calculations, levitation magnet and cryogenic system design, magnetic shielding, linear synchronous motor analysis, and the design of a large scale test facility. Numerical calculations of the lift and drag characteristics of our vehicle design have been made, and the effects of rounded magnet corners and finite conductor size have been determined. Levitation magnets have been designed, and it is shown that superinsulation with intermediate heat shields can efficiently minimize the cryogenic heat losses. Fringing fields in the passenger compartment have been calculated and shielding methods are discussed. A literature survey indicates that biological effects of low magnetic fields are not likely to be significant, although insufficient information precludes definite conclusions. Analysis of various aspects of linear synchronous motor propulsion indicates that it can be economically feasible, and that high efficiencies can be obtained for suspension heights up to 30 cm with sequentially powered track sections. Finally, a conceptual design for the test facility which will be constructed at Queen's next year is presented.

• Corporate Authors:

  Canadian Institute of Guided Ground Transport

  Queen's University
  Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6,   Canada 
• Authors:
  • Atherton, D L
• Publication Date: 1972-12

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Intelligent transportation systems; Magnetic levitation; Technology
• Geographic Terms: Canada
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00051907
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Canadian Institute of Guided Ground Transport
• Report/Paper Numbers: #73-1
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 26 1976 12:00AM