Analysis of the Speed Limit of Transrapid Maglev Train Explored From the Perspective of Its Suspension and Guidance Systems

In recent years, research on high-speed or ultra-high-speed maglev systems has become increasingly popular, and different countries or teams have been committing to several different suspension technologies. Among them, due to the profound accumulation of research on the normal-conducting electromagnetic suspension technology, China is actively adopting this suspension technology to develop a new high-speed maglev train faster than
$600~km/h$
, and this work is mainly on the basis of Transrapid (TR) trains and Shanghai Maglev Line (SHML). To evaluate the feasibility of this project, the speed limit of the TR maglev system was explored from the perspective of its suspension and guidance systems. The analysis process was carried out from two aspects of aerodynamic interference and track irregularity. As for aerodynamic interference, the aerodynamic and electromagnetic simulation models were established based on the actual maglev train. The anti-interference abilities of the suspension and guidance systems were analyzed from two aspects of steady-state and transient-state respectively. The results verified that the train could operate safely when its speed below
$800~km/h$
and the cross-wind speed below
$26~m/s$
. As for track irregularity, based on the actual track construction indicators of the SHML, the relationship between suspension gap fluctuation and the train speed was studied through a dynamic calculation model of the suspension control system. The results showed that the suspension system had a risk of track collision when the train speed was greater than
$717~km/h$
. In summary, from the perspective of its suspension and guidance systems, the current TR maglev system on the SHML has an upper speed limit. The conclusion would be valuable for the development of ultra-high-speed maglev systems in the future.