Development of a Maglev Vehicle/Guideway System Interaction Model and Comparison of the Guideway Structural Analysis with Railway Bridge Structures

Abstract

Magnetic levitation (maglev) systems have become a focus of the worldwide transportation industries. Despite demands for this type of transportation, no practical and well-accepted algorithm has been publicly presented yet for the analysis and design of maglev guideway structures. The maglev vehicle/guideway interaction problem has bothered researchers for years. A systematic approach for this methodology is required. In this paper, the technical specification of the guideways and the forces imposed on them are investigated, and a maglev vehicle/guideway system interaction model is presented. Design methods and criteria of the guideway, including the deflection regulations and stresses limits, are also discussed. Moreover, a case study is conducted to investigate the dynamics of the maglev model. Modeling the electromagnetic suspension system, the five-car vehicle system, and the vehicle/guideway interactions is accomplished. Eventually, the behavior of the elevated guideway is technically compared with that of railroad bridges to illustrate the structural advantages of the guideway. The case study illustrates the practicality of the analysis, so the results obtained indicate that the method presented is useful for the design of the maglev guideway.