Maglev—A super fast train

Magnetic levitation (Maglev) is a technology where magnetic forces lift, propel, and guide a vehicle over a guideway. This configuration eliminates contact between vehicle and guideway and permits speeds of up to 300 mph. The Federal Railroad Administration is evaluating the feasibility of Maglev construction in seven cities. Parsons Engineering Science conducted noise and vibration studies for four of these cities. Use of magnetic levitation and propulsion minimizes noise from mechanical and moving parts; however, the benefit of low‐noise emission diminishes as a vehicle operates at high speed. Aeroacoustic sources generally dominate noise levels at speeds of 120 mph or greater. High‐speed Maglev passby is characterized by high‐noise levels and brief duration, which may startle people who are close to the alignment. Maglev systems generate ground‐borne vibration when a vehicle travels above the guideway due to the sudden on and off load of the vehicle and magnetic current. Maglev noise, vibration, and startling sources as well as impacts and mitigation measures will be presented. Available vibration data are based on German standards because there is a prototype Maglev train in operation in Germany. These standards and procedures that are used to calculate equivalent vibration levels in in./s will be presented.