An investigation of two HSGT magnetic suspension systems (attraction)

Two alternate attraction magnetic suspension systems are discussed on a magnetic performance basis, as well as on their lift-to-weight (
L/W
) capabilities. On an equal current basis, the lower reluctance, flat track configuration has higher lift force and better
L/W
than the U-shaped track configuration with its larger leakage flux. With equal magnetization (unequal currents) and low guidance forces (
F_{G}/F_{L} \leq 0.3
), the U-shaped track has a higher
L/W
ratio, but both attraction systems suffer from low
L/W
when all elements of the suspension system are considered.