Full-scale testing of a high speed linear synchronous motor and calculation of end-effects

A description is given of apparatus constructed to perform full-scale tests on linear synchronous motor (LSM) designs suitable for 100-passenger vehicles, traveling at speeds up to 400 km/hr. Test results are presented that illustrate the terminal characteristics of the machine, which are shown to be predictable using a simple mathematical model. In all forms of linear machine the air-gap flux takes time to develop at the entry end of the stator and a further time to decay at the exit end. This effect, which is due to induced secondary currents, is known as the longitudinal end effect. A simple method is described for predicting the effect, and the results are confirmed by measurements on a full-scale test rig