Dynamics, control and ride quality of a magnetically levitated high speed ground vehicle.

Magnetic means of suspending vehicles have been proposed for use in high speed ground transportation systems (> 250 m.p.h.). In this paper, the ride quality resulting from alternative control strategies using feedback proportional to vehicle-track clearance, vertical velocity and acceleration are considered. It is found that good ride quality can be obtained over a track equivalent to a moderately good highway with a high clearance (> 0.2 m.) magnetic suspension. The dynamic of a vehicle in alternative guideways which supply lateral guidance as well as lift forces are analyzed.