A new concept of superelevation in magnetic levitation – prodynamic

Abstract

Background: The topic of Magnetic Levitation systems, in terms of land mass transport, have created high expectations compared to aviation and also to the high speed railway industry. This new concept comes to revolutionize the terrestrial mass transport, in both the speeds and the subject of friction. Magnetic levitation solves the issue of attrition between material contact and as such may also be an opportunity to solve the question of constant physical superelevation. Aim: Precisely that point of superelevation coupled with magnetic levitation, eliminating the rigid physical structures to laterally lift the vehicle in a curve. Current magnetic levitation systems do not address this issue of dynamic superelevation. It’s exposed an improvement technology which is a theoretical possibility of a track through a new magnetic line can apply necessary rotation to the vehicle in curve and adjust its rotation according to the speed that vehicle moves. Methods: In order to make this system to work it is suggested the introduction of a magnetic field in the new line, which will allow the vehicle to rotate in curves and will negate the need of the conventional static superelevation. This study appeared as a result of an investigation of a master's thesis in civil engineering at ISEP, where the participants created the concept of dynamic superelevation in the context of magnetic levitation. The project was applied to the reformulation of an existing railway network. The study base of this model resulted from a broad survey of current magnetic levitation systems. Then came the idea of creating a third dynamic magnetic field to operate the curved superelevation. Results: The result of the study was the creation of a new "monorail" system of simple and geometrically constant structure. The new line has the advantage of providing a simple and constant geometry, facilitating the manufacture, assembly and thus making it much more economical compared to the current systems. The cross-section allows the vehicle to fit perfectly and with the creation of rotating magnetic fields, the vehicle can be turned to both sides, at the required inclination, according the speed. With this new concept called ProDynamic, the geometry design in plan is totally independent of the speed practiced by the vehicle, where it can travel in curve at different speeds, but with the same lateral no-compensated acceleration, without detriment of passenger comfort. Conclusion: Combining existing systems with this new concept, it is possible to create a total freedom in curves and superelevation, which will provide a maximum comfort and significant construction savings. There is therefore no longer a problem of deficiency or excess cant, as currently exists on railways. The advantage in the ProDynamic system is that it is possible to greatly reduce or even eliminate the lateral no-compensated acceleration.