Optimal control design for Maglev train suspension system

As the single magnet is a multi-variable, nonlinear suspension system, a linear mathematical model based on state space is provided. The controllability, observability and stability of the system are discussed in this paper. Quadratic optimal control method is used for the suspension system design, and MATLAB simulation is applied to the study of quantities for the Q and R weight-matrixes. Different simulation graphics obtained by varying Q and R values, are used for the measurement of control performance. The simulation results show that the magnet gap deviation returns to zero value in quadratic optimal control, and reaches good control performance.