Investigation of the stability of AC repulsive-force levitation systems for low-speed maglev

Discusses the stability of an AC induction levitation system, focusing on the analysis and optimum design of the secondary conductor. Several improved secondary conductor geometries are considered. A theoretical model with numerical results, as well as experimental observations and data are presented. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that only marginal stability can be achieved with a single-plate secondary conductor. Modifications of the single plate can enhance its stability at rest, but this design suffers from longitudinal instabilities when propelled. It is concluded that a double-plate secondary conductor is stable in all six degrees of freedom