Vehicle/guideway dynamic interaction in maglev systems

The importance of vehicle/guideway dynamics in maglev systems is discussed. The particular interests associated with modeling vehicle/guideway interactions and explaining response characteristics of maglev systems for a multicar, multiload vehicle traversing on a single- or double-span flexible guideway are considered, with an emphasis on vehicle/guideway coupling effects, comparison of concentrated and distributed loads, and ride comfort. Coupled effects of vehicle/guideway interactions over a wide range of vehicle speeds with various vehicle and guideway parameters are investigated and appropriate criteria for decoupling at critical vehicle speeds or crossing frequencies are identified.