On the Influence of Structural Flexibility on Feedback Control System Stability for EMS Maglev Vehicles

This paper presents analysis of stability requirements for EMS magnetically levitated vehicles with structural flexibility taken into account. The implications of collocated versus non-collocated control are contrasted in the context of the stability of flexible modes. A series of simple analytical examples, beginning with a rigid mass and progressing to simplified multi-mode flexible structures are evaluated analytically. The basic guidelines for stability presented are considered extendable to complex maglev systems which have any structural flexibility in their vehicle and guideway structures. Illustrative analytical and experimental laboratory results are presented.