Date of Award
Fall 2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Program/Concentration
Aerospace Engineering
Committee Director
Colin P. Britcher
Committee Member
Thomas Alberts
Committee Member
Drew Landman
Call Number for Print
Special Collections; LD4331.E535 W45 2009
Abstract
This thesis will detail the aerodynamic qualities of a magnetic levitation concept vehicle designed to be installed on Old Dominion University's campus. The vehicle is representative of a class of small, low-speed Maglev systems commonly referred to as Urban Maglev. A 1:12 scale model underwent testing in Old Dominion's low speed wind tunnel. Force and moment coefficients were measured over a wide range of yaw angles. Results give insight into crosswind effects and how these forces affect vehicle dynamics. An analysis of this type is important in understanding the ride quality and safety of the system. Force Coefficients range from 0 - 4 based on vehicle frontal area. Rolling and yawing moment coefficients are significant while the pitching moment is relatively small. The data indicate that at zero degrees (model is facing flow) the axial force is 600 pounds and at 90 degrees yaw (model is perpendicular to flow) the side force can exceed 1300 pounds when both the maximum vehicle and wind speeds are 40 mph. Around 50 degrees unsteadiness develops while the flow structure is changing, and forces at one levitation magnet on the full scale vehicle can reach a peak on the order of 2,400 pounds. The lifting force in a side-wind condition is also relatively large, on the order of 1,500 pounds at an angle between 70 and 90 degrees. These initial results indicate that excessive lift is generated in crosswind conditions. Therefore, simple roof strakes and side skirts were tested, with both modifications successful in reducing the lift force.
Rights
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DOI
10.25777/araz-5681
Recommended Citation
Wells, John M..
"Aerodynamic Analysis of an Urban Magnetic Levitation Vehicle"
(2009). Master of Science (MS), Thesis, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, DOI: 10.25777/araz-5681
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/mae_etds/748
