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Abstract

Some aerodynamic issues affecting low-speed Urban Maglev vehicles are studied, focusing primarily on the effect of ambient winds on levitation electromagnet loads. Aerodynamic characteristics of a representative vehicle are estimated by means of wind tunnel tests of a 1/12th scale model. The wind environment influencing the existing Maglev guideway at Old Dominion University are established from historical data. It is shown that ambient winds, particularly crosswinds, can pose significant challenges, including substantial redistribution of levitation forces among vehicle electromagnets. The development of large lateral forces, particularly at the forward electromagnet stations, may also be of concern.

Keywords

Urban Maglev aerodynamics crosswind wind tunnel

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Aerodynamics of Urban Maglev vehicles

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