Analysis of the Minimum Curve Radius of Elastic Bending Turnout of Maglev Transportation

The elastic bending turnout plays a very important role in maglev transportation area because of its smooth line and higher permitted maximum passing speed in curve direction. It is well known that elastic bending turnout of maglev transportation is a complicated equipment, which functions as line, track, and structure. The minimum curve radius depends on not only required vehicle velocity and unbalanced lateral acceleration, but also the structural radius of the vehicle, the required geometric accuracy of the track and the fatigue life of the turnout’s main structure. In this paper, the influencing factors determining minimum curve radius of the elastic bending turnout are analyzed, and the minimum curve radius under specific technical requirements is calculated. Results provide guidance for the design and optimization of the minimum curve radius of the elastic bending turnout for maglev transportation.