Side force in coil-sheet magnetic levitation systems

A Fourier transform technique is used to evaluate the forces on planar polygonal dc current coils moving parallel with a conducting sheet as applied to the magnetic levitation of high-speed ground vehicles. In addition to the lift and drag forces usually discussed, a side force may exist if the current coils are asymmetric with respect to the direction of vehicle motion. For some geometrically symmetric coils, the side force may be viewed as a transverse drag which exponentially damps small lateral motion. For some other coils, instability may occur due to a perturbation in the lateral direction. With proper design, a significantly large side force (comparable to drag) may be generated and controlled by mechanical or electrical means. This side force can be used for lateral control purposes.