TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY OF MAGNETIC LEVITATION AS A SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR HIGH-SPEED GROUND TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES

The report examines the technical feasibility of magnetic levitation as a suspension system for high-speed ground transportation vehicles in the 300 mph cruise speed range. Of the various magnetic suspensions which have been proposed one appears to provide all the desired features of good ride quality, moderate guideway tolerance, basic stability, and moderate drag forces. This is high clearance (about 10 inch vehicle-track clearance) suspension using superconducting magnets in the vehicle and a conducting, nonmagnetic, continuous guideway. If a high tolerance track can be successfully laid and maintained, then a low clearance suspension using magnetic attraction forces such as being developed in Germany becomes a strong contender. Analyses of ride quality show the importance of a high clearance suspension in smoothing track irregularities without allowing the vehicle to come into contact with the Track. Methods for increasing passive damping are explored, and a preliminary design for a vehicle magnet using a superconducting coil is given.

• Corporate Authors:

  Ford Motor Company

  Scientific Research Staff, American Road
  Dearborn, MI  United States  48121
• Authors:
  • Davis, L C
  • Reitz, J R
  • Wilkie, D F
  • BORCHERTS, R H
• Publication Date: 1972-2

Media Info

• Pagination: 132 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamic lift; Coils (Electromagnetism); Drag; Guideways; Intelligent transportation systems; Magnetic levitation; Mathematical models; Passenger vehicles; Permanent magnets; Railroad tracks; Rapid transit; Superconducting magnets; Theory; Velocity
• Uncontrolled Terms: Experimental design
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems; Rapid transit railways
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039846
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-10026
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 9 1973 12:00AM