Forces and moments for electrodynamic levitation systems--Large-scale test results and theory

The dynamic circuit theory for the analysis of the suspension characteristics of electrodynamic magnetic levitation schemes for realistic magnet and guideway configurations is reviewed. Electrodynamic forces and moments have been measured on a large-scale stationary superconducting magnet interacting with an aluminum strip mounted on the rim of a 7.6-m diameter rotating test wheel. Good agreement is found between analytical and experimental results over the speed range to 100 km/h for the electrodynamic forces of test configurations which provide a rigorous test for theory. The speed dependence of moments is reported and used to estimate the force distribution on the superconducting coil. The dynamic circuit theory is then used to determine the suspension characteristics of the levitation system for the proposed Canadian Maglev vehicle.