Development of the Reduced-Scale Vehicle Model for the Dynamic Characteristic Analysis of the Hyperloop

This study addresses the Hyperloop characterized by a capsule-type vehicle, superconducting electrodynamic suspension (SC-EDS) levitation, and driving in a near-vacuum tube. Because the Hyperloop is different from conventional transportation, various considerations are required in the vehicle-design stage. Particularly, pre-investigation of the vehicle dynamic characteristics is essential because of the close relationship among the vehicle design parameters, such as size, weight, and suspensions. Accordingly, a 1/10 scale Hyperloop vehicle system model, enabling the analysis of dynamic motions in the vertical and lateral directions, was developed. The reduced-scale model is composed of bogies operated by Stewart platforms, secondary suspension units, and a car body. To realize the bogie motion, an operation algorithm reflecting the external disturbance, SC-EDS levitation, and interaction between the bogie and car body, was applied to the Stewart platform. Flexible rubber springs were used in the secondary suspension unit to enable dynamic characteristic analysis of the vertical and lateral motion. Results of the verification tests were compared with simulation results to examine the fitness of the developed model. The results showed that the developed reduced-scale model could successfully represent the complete dynamic characteristics, owing to the enhanced precision of the Stewart platform and the secondary suspension allowing biaxial motions.