Modeling and Dynamic Response of Maglev Vehicles Subjected to Crosswind Gusts

This paper presents a two-degree-of-freedom model for magnetically levitated finite-length vehicles incorporating sway and yaw dynamics. Aerodynamic lateral forces and yawing moments on the vehicle resulting from constant speed wind gusts are computed using analytical techniques. Computer simulations are run for three vehicle speeds and three apparent mass factors. It is shown that higher apparent mass factors can be instrumental in reducing peak displacements and acceleration levels. The guidance-to-lift ratio is not as much affected by an increase in apparent mass factor as are the displacements and accelerations.