Date of Award

Fall 2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Program/Concentration

Mechanical Engineering

Committee Director

Sebastian Bewab

Committee Director

Gene Hou

Committee Member

Stephen Cupschalk

Call Number for Print

Special Collections; LD4331.E56 H353 2004

Abstract

The Maglev project at Old Dominion University is a collaboration between Old Dominion, American Maglev Technology (AMT), Lockheed Martin, other industry participants and the federal and state governments. This project began at the Norfolk campus in 2002. Under this project, researchers are aiming for a demonstrable engineering prototype that will operate smoothly at speeds of 40 - 45 miles per hour along the 3400 feet long track.

During testing, the vehicle is found to vibrate violently when operated on the ground. Furthermore, the vehicle failed to levitate when operated on the elevated track. As part of the investigation to determine the cause for this vibration it is important to find the effects of track irregularities on the dynamic response of the vehicle. In this thesis a study on the effects of track irregularities on the dynamic response of the vehicle is presented.

Irregularities can be due to the flexibility of the track and also due to the manufacturing/installation tolerance of the track. Both cases are studied in this thesis.

For this purpose, a three dimensional static Finite Element (FE) model of the entire Maglev system is developed using MSC NASTRAN and a two dimensional six degree of freedom dynamic model is developed using MADYMO (MAthematical DYnamic MOdel). In the dynamic model, magnetic force is modeled using non-linear springs. Also manufacturing/installation tolerance of the track is estimated by accurately measuring a short span of the track. This irregularity is incorporated in the dynamic model, and its effects on the dynamics of the vehicle are studied. The results focus on the displacement and acceleration of the Center of Gravity (CG) of the vehicle. These results may lead to a better track design, that induces less vertical displacement and acceleration, which in turn can make control of the train easier.

Rights

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DOI

10.25777/02rh-7163

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