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Technical Reports

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Power Transfer to High Speed Vehicles

This final report summarizes work performed in the assessment and analysis of power transfer techniques to high speed vehicles. The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum power transfer technique for two power levels at high speed and to prepare a preliminary design of the...

Maglev System Concept Definition: Severe Segment Test Report

This report presents Foster-Miller Maglev system performance results and cost analysis for the Severe Segment Test (SST) stipulated by the government. The route design procedures are described and the resulting SST route geometries are defined for the two sets of requirements on ride quality ("...

Maglev Program Test Plan

Maglev systems represent a promising evolution in the high-speed ground transportation, offering speeds in excess of 300 mph along with the potential for low operating costs and minimal environmental impact. The goal of this effort is to investigate the feasibility and viability of maglev systems...

Maglev Program Test Plan: Final Report

The fundamental premise of this study is that successful development and implementation of an American maglev system will require the identification of the relevant development risks and the marshalling of appropriate testing and integration facilities to mitigate those development risks. Further,...

Maglev Guideway Route Alignment and Right of Way Requirements

The use of existing rights-of-way (ROW) is assessed for maglev systems by estimating trip times and land acquisition requirements for potential maglev corridors while meeting passenger comfort limits. Right-of-way excursions improve trip time but incur a cost for purchasing land. This final report...

Maglev Guideway and Route Integrity Requirements - Comprehensive Report

New modes of travel imply new hazards and increased risk from old hazards. Lightweight magnetic levitation (maglev) vehicles, operated at high speed, may be subject to increased collision consequences, compared to conventional rail. This suggests examination of sensor systems and automation. This...

Low Cost Guideways for Maglev

This report presents results of research aimed at developing structural requirements for a guideway to be used for maglev systems. The work progresses from initial conceptual design to refined structural and cost analyses. The design begins by identifying structural requirements including criteria...