Vibration Control System for Maglev Vehicles

An active vibration control system has been developed for JR maglev vehicles. The system consists of six hydraulic actuators, four for vertical and two for lateral control forces, six accelerometers as co-located sensors and an electric controller. The actuators are inserted between the bodies and bogies of articulated cars. Random shake tests were conducted with a half-scale model of one bogie-two body system. Comparison between active control with actuators operating and passive vibration isolation with oil dampers showed the superior effect of the active system. Through evaluation of the calculations and tests, it is expected that the active system will give a better ride quality for maglev vehicles than existing Shinkansen bullet trains.