The project combined modelling, analysis and experimental work to study vibration and stability of magnetically suspended vehicles relevant to Hyperloop and Maglev systems.
Several peer-reviewed studies were completed using analytical and numerical methods. These studies examined the stability of electromagnetically suspended vehicles under aeroelastic effects and infrastructure-related disturbances, identifying different instability types and showing how stability limits change with speed and system parameters. The results provided insight into the sensitivity to external disturbance/irregularity of high-speed suspension system.
A further study investigated vehicle motion over flexible and periodically supported infrastructure. It showed that wave-related effects in the supporting structure can interact with suspension control and significantly reduce the range of stable operating conditions. Depending on speed and stiffness of the supports relative to that of the infrastructure, it can actually act as a damper (radiation damping), enlarging the zone of stable operation ,or feedback energy into vehicle vibration at very high speed through wave effects, reducing the stable zone. This work highlighted the importance of coupled vehicle–infrastructure dynamics, which are typically not included in current Maglev control design practice.
In parallel, a non-academic placement was carried out at Hardt Hyperloop in close collaboration with the European Hyperloop Center, a unique test facility in Europe. The practical cascaded control system used in the vehicle was studied in a team consisting of control, dynamics and mechatronics engineers. Trial experiments with a limited number of sensors were designed and executed. Analysis of the trial results revealed instability-related periodic vibrations (limit cycle) at low speeds, which were linked to coupled vehicle and structural dynamics rather than control design alone, as initially assumed by the engineers. Based on these findings, a final experimental campaign was designed and conducted with increased sensor coverage, higher speeds and a wider range of control parameters to test specific hypotheses.
Dissemination and exploitation activities included presentations at international scientific conferences, technical discussions with researchers and industry representatives, including meetings with Maglev experts from China, and regular collaboration with Hardt Hyperloop and European Hyperloop Center engineers. The project also engaged in public outreach through science days for children and support of secondary-school student projects, contributing to education and awareness of advanced transport technologies and their potential impact in society.
