The Lateral Dynamics of the Linear Induction Motor Test Vehicle

Abstract

The dynamic behavior of the LIM Test vehicle has been the subject of theoretical and experimental studies conducted for the U. S. Department of Transportation by British Rail’s Research and Development Division. Key aspects of the studies of lateral stability, curving, and response to irregular track are described showing that an adequate stability margin exists for a conicity of 0.025. Satisfactory response characteristics are available for the anticipated roughness spectrum, but the linear curving regime does not ecnompass the higher range of operating speeds on the test track curve of 2.5 miles radius. To date (October, 1973) measured performance compares well with theory but change of conicity with tire wear is an unexpected difficulty due in part to the very high track quality. This tire wear is of peculiar form and not typical of the normal high speed railway.