Maseeh Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Funding Source

Frank&Ken (Frankwell Lin and Ken Li) and PSU ECE

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Magnetic levitation (maglev) vehicles are transportation systems that float above a track using magnetic forces rather than traditional wheels This eliminates physical contact, reducing friction and enabling efficient, high-speed travel. A specific form of maglev, the Electrodynamic Wheel, uses wheels with embedded permanent magnets that rotate above a conductive aluminum track. As the wheels spin, their moving magnetic fields induce eddy currents in the track. These currents create opposing magnetic fields, producing both lift and drag. In this project, the EDW maglev platform consists of four brushless DC motor–driven wheels mounted on a small vehicle chassis designed to levitate above a U-shaped aluminum guideway. The laser displacement sensors proved effective at capturing real-time motion, clearly identifying periods of rest, vehicle runs, and post-run settling. Their successful integration shows that the system is capable of providing consistent feedback on wheel position and can be built upon for future control. However, the measured forces did not align with the predictions of the numerical model, pointing to issues in the experimental configuration. These discrepancies may stem from mounting geometry, track variation, or limitations in the measurement approach. Further refinement of the test setup is necessary before the results can be used to confidently validate theoretical models. This work establishes a foundation for those improvements, ensuring that subsequent experiments will yield more reliable comparisons between model and reality.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/45298

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