Numerical study on dynamic characteristics of medium-low-speed maglev railway with novel structures for vehicle speed-up application

The expansion of maglev transportation in urban and intercity lines requires higher operational speeds. To ensure safe operation at elevated velocities, the study investigates two types of bridge: the existing 25 m span simply supported maglev girder bridge and a novel integrated track-beam bridge designed for the speed-up consideration for the medium-low-speed maglev railway. Finite element models incorporating F-rail and track structures were developed, with substructure analysis and modal analysis performed. A 120 degrees of freedom multibody maglev vehicle model was established using multibody dynamics theory. A rigid–flexible coupled system integrating the maglev vehicle, track–bridge, and PID controlled suspension was modeled. Based on the validated coupled model, a numerical simulation of maglev vehicle–track–bridge–controller coupled system was conducted for higher vehicle speeds. The results show that compared to the existing maglev bridge, the novel bridge demonstrates superior dynamic performance, with reductions in vertical displacement of the F-rail, midspan vertical displacement, and acceleration. Additionally, the vertical acceleration of the car body and the electromagnetic levitation force are reduced as well when the maglev vehicle operates on the novel bridge.