Dynamic Performance of Medium Speed Maglev Train Running Over Girders: Field Test and Numerical Simulation

With the ongoing development and deployment of medium-low speed maglev vehicles in China, it has become common to increase operational speeds from 100[Formula: see text]km/h up to 140[Formula: see text]km/h or even 160[Formula: see text]km/h, necessitating further studies and simulation models to understand the implications of these changes. This paper analyzes medium-speed maglev vehicle-track-girder coupling dynamic performance at a speed of 160[Formula: see text]km/h. First, a field dynamics experiment is carried out on the Changsha Maglev Express with a running speed of 80–140[Formula: see text]km/h. Then we introduce the distributed coupling simulation platform for maglev transportation system (MTS-DCSP) and the vehicle-track-girder coupling model, taking into account the complex vehicle structure, the guideway structure, and the Proportion Integral Differential (PID) levitation control system. Together, this platform and model can conduct a simulation of the complete process at scale and at all degrees of freedom to obtain accurate results. Our analysis of the results gives an accurate portrayal of the coupling dynamics properties and validates the coupling model. The results from the field experiments together with the coupling simulation demonstrate that the medium-speed maglev train can operate safely and stably within the range of 140–160[Formula: see text]km/h. While at 140[Formula: see text]km/h, however, the Sperling ride quality index (RQI) is about 2.5, which is within the Excellent grade range, at a speed of 160[Formula: see text]km/h, the Sperling ride quality index can increase to as high as 2.74, which is a grade of Good. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the parameters of the secondary suspension system to improve the ride comfort of the maglev vehicle at 160[Formula: see text]km/h.