Flux-canceling electrodynamic maglev suspension: Part I. Test fixture design and modeling

The design and analysis of a scale-model suspension test facility for magnetic levitation (maglev) is discussed. We describe techniques for the design, construction, and testing of a prototype electrodynamic suspension (EDS) levitation system. The viability of future high-temperature superconducting magnet designs for maglev has been investigated with regard to their application to active secondary suspensions. In order to test the viability of a new "flux-canceling" EDS suspension, a 1/5-scale suspension magnet and guideway was constructed. The suspension was tested by using a high-speed rotating test wheel facility with linear peripheral speed of up to 84 m/s (300 km/h). A set of approximate design tools and scaling laws has been developed in order to evaluate forces and critical velocities in the suspension.