Analysis and design of electromagnetic vehicles climbing on steel plates

For inspection and maintenance of large facilities made of steel material, vehicles being designed to wander on steel plates are much in demand, especially in situation like ship hulls and surfaces of large oil tank. A novel propulsion strategy for such vehicles based on the theory of electromagnetism was presented recently. The proposed vehicle applies pedrails structure mechanically, and the pedrails are made of copper material. Moving core and windings, combining with the steel plates and pedrails, construct linear induction motors, which have a lot advantage in many aspects. A prototype was designed and manufactured. Simulating and experimental results show that the proposed strategy is valid. In this paper, associated with topics in the conference, it is supposed that the application of this propulsion strategy may extend to future transportation in special conditions.