RTRI REPORT September 1999

Characteristics of the Aerodynamic Brake of the Vehicle on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line

Masafumi YOSHIMURA, Sanetoshi SAITO,
Shiro HOSAKA, Hiroki TSUNODA


  The Yamanashi Maglev system has two types of main braking systems : regenerative braking system (primary brake using electrodynamic power) and on-board mechanical braking system (back-up brake). The mechanical back-up braking system is installed on vehicles. It is used to stop the vehicle safely and accurately in case the electrical braking system has failed. On the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line, an aerodynamic braking system is used as an element of the mechanical back up braking system. In the aerodynamic braking system, braking force is obtained by aerodynamic drag which is generated by unfolded brake panels. The aerodynamic brake is very effective in high speed operation, because the aerodynamic drag is proportional to the square of vehicle speed. This paper reports the aerodynamic brake system and results of running tests on the Yamanashi Maglev test line.



Copyright (c) 1999 Railway Technical Research Institute