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Multiphysics Modeling of Novel Hyperloop Propulsion

Paper: [link]

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My Contributions:

  • Developed workflow

  • Developed armature designs (SolidWorks)

  • Conducted materials study across designs

  • Conducted electrodynamics analysis (COMSOL)

  • Conducted structural mechanics analysis (COMSOL)

  • Created multibody dynamics simulation (COMSOL)

  • 3D printed armature designs

  • Wrote the paper

Secondary propulsion methods for high-speed hyperloop transportation are sparsely researched. Secondary propulsion methods are essential to quickly, efficiently, and safely get a hyperloop pod up to its target speed from a stationary state. In this paper, we propose and analyze the feasibility of a form of electromagnetic secondary hyperloop propulsion, called a railgun, commonly used in modern-day artillery technology for high-speed ammunition launching. We assess the feasibility of two different materials and three different geometries for a railgun armature to propel a hyperloop pod. Inverse design of multiphysics simulation of multibody dynamics, magnetic fields, and electric currents are used for material selection of the armature that minimizes rail current energy requirements and the armature geometry that maximizes structural integrity.

Current density

Mechanical stress

Topology optimization

We demonstrate that with proper armature material and geometry selection, a railgun system is capable of supporting both high-speed and safe propulsion of a hyperloop pod. From the analyzed armature materials and geometries in this study, an iron armature with a load-to-boundary path geometry is found to minimize the rail current energy requirement for target hyperloop pod propulsion while maximizing structural integrity.

Multibody dynamics linear motion at 2G acceleration

3D printed armature designs

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