An Electrodynamic Wheel Maglev Vehicle with a Passive U-Guideway

This paper reports on the electromagnetic analysis and experimental testing of a newly invented six-degree of freedom electrodynamic wheel (EDW) magnetic levitation (maglev) vehicle that can stably levitate over a passive low-cost U-guideway. The U-guideway is composed of two sections of L-track aluminum sheet. Both a radial and an axial proof-of-principle EDW maglev vehicle has been built and experimentally tested. The EDW-maglev vehicle contains four one pole-pair diametric magnetized magnets that are driven using a low-cost motor and motor controller. No advanced controls are needed to provide basic stability. A 3-D transient finite element analysis model was used to study the 3-D forces created when the magnets are rotated over the aluminum L-track. The track design study showed that in addition to providing lateral recentering force the L-track can also be used to increases thrust and lift force.