Simulations of maglev EDS performance with detailed numerical models

Abstract

This article finalizes the feasibility analysis of electrodynamic suspension systems (EDS) for magnetically levitated (maglev) transport. Parametric simulations for a range of EDS configurations were justified in comparison with evaluations from basic theoretical works of Russian authors. The electromagnetic behaviour of EDS components was simulated using detailed numerical models and original software oriented to parallel computations on multiprocessor platforms. Results of computations were compared to measurements on scaled prototypes and data obtained at Inductrack experiments in the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. A desired accuracy of the simulation was demonstrated that proved reliability of the virtual prototyping and enabled scaling of the operational parameters with respect to the power consumption, load capacity, tolerances and other characteristics of real levitated vehicles.