Control of Maglev Suspension Systems

Abstract

This study investigates alternate designs for control of maglev vehicle suspension systems. Active and semiactive control-law designs are introduced into primary and secondary suspensions of maglev vehi cles. A one-dimensional vehicle with two degrees of freedom, simulating the German Transrapid Magiev System, is used. The transient and frequency responses of suspension systems and power spectral densities of vehicle accelerations are calculated to evaluate different control designs. The results show that both active and semiactive control designs improve vehicle response and provide acceptable ride comfort for maglev systems.