Presentation Information
[APP1-06]Roll angle of superconducting levitation Transport systems with improved rail magnetic field
*Muneo Futamura1, Kuren Tsuchida1 (1. Akita Prefectural University (Japan))
Keywords:
Levitating transport system,Superconducting magnetic levitation,Rail magnet arrangement
This study investigates ways to improve the stability of superconducting levitation transport systems by modifying the arrangement of rail magnets, particularly by increasing the thickness of the magnets located at the rail ends. Superconducting levitation systems, which rely on the flux pinning effect of high-temperature bulk superconductors, provide passive and stable levitation without requiring active control. Their frictionless motion makes them attractive as energy-efficient transport technologies. However, conventional magnet rail designs tend to cause the levitating shuttle to tilt outward under lateral displacement, especially on curved tracks. This backward roll angle raises derailment risks and reduces system safety.
Building on prior research that proposed magnet rail configurations capable of inducing inward roll angles, this study focuses on how magnet thickness influences the bank angle and overall shuttle stability. The aim is to clarify how modifications to magnetic force distribution affect shuttle tilt and to develop design guidelines for safer superconducting transport systems.
Experiments were carried out using GdBaCuO-QMG bulk superconductors cooled with liquid nitrogen, positioned beneath various rail magnet arrangements. Levitation forces were measured with a digital force gauge while laterally displacing the rail relative to the superconductors. Both conventional and thickness-enhanced configurations were examined, the latter featuring enlarged end magnets.
Results show that in arrangements such as the modified 14-8-14 and 8-8-8-8-8 types, the stable range of lateral displacement expanded compared with conventional rails. In every arrangement tested, thickening the end magnets increased the maximum difference in levitation force between the left and right sides of the shuttle. This larger difference corresponds to a stronger inward roll angle, improving stability. In the 8-8-8-8-8 case, the force difference rose more than threefold relative to the conventional design.
In conclusion, increasing the thickness of end magnets in rail arrangements enhances the stability of superconducting levitation transport systems. By promoting inward tilt under lateral displacement, these modifications reduce derailment risks and offer valuable guidelines for developing safer and more efficient superconducting transport technologies.
Building on prior research that proposed magnet rail configurations capable of inducing inward roll angles, this study focuses on how magnet thickness influences the bank angle and overall shuttle stability. The aim is to clarify how modifications to magnetic force distribution affect shuttle tilt and to develop design guidelines for safer superconducting transport systems.
Experiments were carried out using GdBaCuO-QMG bulk superconductors cooled with liquid nitrogen, positioned beneath various rail magnet arrangements. Levitation forces were measured with a digital force gauge while laterally displacing the rail relative to the superconductors. Both conventional and thickness-enhanced configurations were examined, the latter featuring enlarged end magnets.
Results show that in arrangements such as the modified 14-8-14 and 8-8-8-8-8 types, the stable range of lateral displacement expanded compared with conventional rails. In every arrangement tested, thickening the end magnets increased the maximum difference in levitation force between the left and right sides of the shuttle. This larger difference corresponds to a stronger inward roll angle, improving stability. In the 8-8-8-8-8 case, the force difference rose more than threefold relative to the conventional design.
In conclusion, increasing the thickness of end magnets in rail arrangements enhances the stability of superconducting levitation transport systems. By promoting inward tilt under lateral displacement, these modifications reduce derailment risks and offer valuable guidelines for developing safer and more efficient superconducting transport technologies.