Analysis of guideway dynamic response induced by accelerations in medium- and low-speed maglev systems

Medium- and low-speed maglev (MLSM) systems are recognized as a type of rail transit featuring excellent safety and low noise levels. Currently, operational MLSM systems in China predominantly operate at low speeds, typically around 100 km/h. As the direct bearing structure for levitation and guidance, maglev guideways are crucial for maglev accelerations. This paper presents a study on the coupling dynamic model of the MLSM train-guideway, taking a particular MLSM line as the research object. Dynamic simulations were performed based on the model. Furthermore, field experiments were conducted on the selected line. The close agreement observed when comparing simulation and experimental results indicates that the established dynamic model can effectively simulate the dynamic response of the guideways. These results reveal minimal dynamic actions from the guideways, highlighting maglev’s inherent advantage of non-contact operation. Additionally, vertical misalignment in rail joints exerts a greater impact on the vibration acceleration of the F-shaped rails, with little influence on their displacement and dynamic coefficients. Both carbody vibration acceleration and the Sperl-ing index increase with speed, yet remain within the limits specified in relevant specifications.