Characteristics of vibration in magnetically levitated trains subjected to crosswind

An electromagnetic suspension system-type (EMS-type) magnetically levitated vehicle (Maglev) maintains the airgap between the guiderail and the electromagnet by controlling the electric current through the levitation controller and runs with the help of a linear induction motor. ECOBEE, an EMS-type Maglev, is designed for the purpose of urban transit and must run on a curved guideway with a small radius of curvature. However, while the EMS-type Maglev controls the vertical airgap using the levitation force of the electromagnet, in the case of the lateral direction, a guidance force, which is determined by the levitation force through the intensity of lateral displacement, passively controls the lateral displacement. However, when an excessive lateral displacement is triggered by a disturbance that is greater than the guidance force, an antiaberration skid comes into contact with the rail. Therefore, the Maglev running on a curve with a small radius should maintain the airgap without touching the rail when turning directions on a curved rail, while the vibrations of the vehicle caused by external factors, such as entering the circular curve from the transition curve, or a crosswind, can affect the levitation stability. Therefore, in order to secure the levitation stability of the electromagnet while also improving the curving performance of the vehicle, inserting a lateral damper between the cabin and the bogie has been suggested. In the present study, by using an integrated model of the Maglev system developed by multibody dynamics, the influence of a crosswind as the train runs along a curve and the effect of the lateral damper were analyzed.