Vehicle Dynamics of Permanent-Magnet Levitation Based Hyperloop Capsules

Hyperloop technology has been proposed in recent years as a novel mode of transportation which has the potential to revolutionize inter-city cargo & passenger transport. This paper aims to establish a benchmark framework for the modelling, simulation and design of the vehicle dynamics of Hyperloop capsules. An analytical treatment of a simplified linearized model is discussed as a starting point for initial parameter optimization. Further, the construction of a full-vehicle nonlinear model is detailed, and the application of this model in the design process is elaborated upon. Though the specific example studied here is that of an externally-propelled, permanent-magnet levitation based Hyperloop vehicle, the discussion can be extended to any levitating dynamical system. The potential applications of Hyperloop technology being vast, a framework such as this may act as a significant contribution to the research and development taking place in the field.