Vehicle dynamics modelling of electromagnetic suspensions for MAGLEV applications

Abstract: MAGnetic LEVitation Guidance System (MAGLEV) technology was commercially introduced relatively recently in the guided transport field. It is based on removing the wheels and rails of classic railway systems and supporting and guiding the train with magnets and magnetic forces instead. But, as for conventional railways, those trains need to fulfil dynamic requirements in order to make trains safe and comfortable. The dynamics of a train being mainly influenced by its suspensions characteristics, the magnetic forces generated in MAGLEV systems are of prime importance. Having a model of those systems allows to check the requirements of a certain design, and to consider the influence of different parameters on their fulfilment. This thesis leans on research work on MAGLEV vehicle modelling to model and implement magnetic levitation components in a quarter-car model in order to study the fulfilment of vehicle dynamics requirements. Specifically, the modelled vehicles are based on Electro- Magnetic Suspension (EMS) and Electro-Dynamic Suspension (EDS) (Inductrack) technologies, for which the modelling equations are analysed to study the magnetic force dependencies with physical and operational parameters. Finally, the dynamic requirements are checked in response to a set of track irregularities amplitudes, anda parametric study is carried out to verify the fulfilment of those requirements for other design cases. The results show that it is possible to model and implement simple MAGLEV MBS models for dynamic studies, although it is challenging to model and simulate specific MAGLEV components because of the lack of component specifications or experimental data on track irregularities.