Abstract: Aiming at the traditional medium-low speed maglev vehicle with end-set air spring suspension frame and a new-type medium-low speed maglev vehicle with mid-set air spring suspension frame, dynamic models of maglev vehicles are established considering active suspension control. Then, dynamic responses of two types of maglev vehicles running on straight tracks and curve tracks are simulated. Numerical results show that dynamic performances of the new-type maglev vehicle on straight tracks are better than that of traditional maglev vehicle, and its ride quality is always excellent when the running speed is less than 160 km/h; dynamic performances of traditional maglev vehicle deteriorated significantly as the speed is greater than 120 km/h, and the lateral ride quality cannot reach the excellent level. When two types of maglev vehicles pass through the plane curve tracks with a radius of 300 m or greater, there is little difference in dynamic response between two maglev vehicles. The lateral magnet/rail mechanical collision happened to the traditional maglev vehicle on the plane curve with a radius of 50 m and without superelevation, while the new-type maglev vehicle can pass through without collision. Dynamic performances of the new-type maglev vehicle is inferior to that of the traditional maglev vehicle on a plane curve with a radius of 100 m and with superelevation, which appears larger levitation gap fluctuation and lateral electromagnet displacement on the transition curve, and the risk of magnet/rail mechanical collision is greater.

Key words: maglev vehicle, suspension frame, feedback control, multibody dynamics, ride quality, curve negotiation