Track gauge selection of medium-low speed maglev and its impact analysis

In view of the lack of standard gauge for current medium-low speed maglev, the relationship between gauge and vehicle length, vehicle width and basic weight of maglev vehicle is studied in this paper. The effect of gauge increased from 1700 mm to 2000 mm on levitation capacity, anti-rolling capacity, device suspension space and F-rail magnetic-pole-face height difference for curve negotiation are analysed. The result indicates that the size of gauge is generally independent of vehicle length and is positively related to vehicle width and vehicle weight, but the reasonable internal design and layout can effectively control the vehicle weight. With gauge increased, the force of levitation electromagnet vertical force to balance the rolling moment, the rolling angle as well as the maximum vertical height difference between the inner and outer magnetic pole faces of F-rail all decreases. Overall, the vehicle levitation capacity and the anti-rolling ability are both improved. The maximum bending moment of sleeper is increased; and the lateral dimension of device suspension space of motor and longitudinal beam is increased.