Modeling and Full-Scale Characterization of an Electrodynamic Suspension System for Lane-Switching

The passivity of electrodynamic suspensions (EDSs) can be leveraged for the benefit of high-speed lane-switching. The repulsive action of EDS coupled with the attraction-based electromagnetic suspension (EMS) produces a hybrid that facilitates path change capability. A test bench designed for lane-switching analysis of full-scale components is presented. The EDS system is discussed, and a finite-element model is used to generate speed-dependent static lift and drag data. The data are fitted using an analytical model consisting of an equivalent multi-branch electrical circuit, showing good agreement between the datasets.