Monorail Maglev Technology

This paper summarizes work presently under way at MIT to determine some of the data needed to establish a national U. S. maglev system. Our work is focused on developing a narrow beam guideway for Electro Dynamic Suspension and Linear Synchronous Motor propulsion; a design that meets the needs of the U. S now and in the future. This guideway and motor are adaptable to a range of vehicle sizes and speeds so as to allow appropriate evolution. Present demand estimates are typically low enough that guideway cost is significantly higher than the sum of vehicle, labor, and maintenance costs. However, we know that with time the capital cost will be paid off and demand will increase until these other costs dominate. Thus it is necessary to be very careful in creating a guideway and motor design that will be suitable for the U. S. for many decades.