The load capacity and static stiffness of the existing air hydrostatic GUIDEWAYs are relatively low, and the static performance of the air film is degraded when external forces are increased during the process. Therefore, this study considered an aerostatic GUIDEWAY of an ultra-precision micromachine tool as the research object. Single-and double-row orifice structures were designed on the GUIDEWAY, and linear, extended, and X-shaped pressure-equalizing groove (PEG) structures with rectangular cross-sections were designed on the working surface of the GUIDEWAY. By establishing a computational fluid dynamics model of the GUIDEWAY air film, the pressure contour was obtained through simulation, and finally, the advantages of the double-row orifice structure were determined. Then, the influences of the structure, width, and depth of PEG and the diameter and number of orifices on the load capacity, stiffness, and air consumption were studied, which provided a theoretical basis for improving the load performance of the aerostatic GUIDEWAY. The results showed that the design of the PEG effectively improved the load performance but increased the air consumption. The extended PEG exhibited the best load performance. When the eccentricity was large, the width of the PEG moderately increased, improving the load capacity and stiffness. While increasing the depth only improved the stiffness, it had little effect on the load capacity and air consumption. When the eccentricity was small, the diameter and number of orifices moderately increased. The experimental data were consistent with the simulation results, demonstrating the accuracy of the simulation method.

Superconducting materials are capable of trapping extremely high magnetic fields. This property and Meissner effect of superconductors causes a levitation force between bulk superconductors and a permanent magnet (PM). This levitation force has possible industrial applications such as Permanent Magnet GUIDEWAYs (PMG). Because of the high price of permanent magnets, the optimization of PMG design is necessary and beneficial. A heuristic optimization method has been proposed for the optimum arrangement and dimensions of permanent magnets in different structures of PMGs, which guarantee the satisfactory levitation performance. Therefore, finite element simulation, based on the estimation of penetration depth and self-inductance of the superconductor disk, has been utilized. The variation of the PMG features, such as its dimensions and cost versus the system parameters, such as the levitation height and the superconductor disk characteristics have been presented as the optimization results. Based on the optimization process outputs, PMG prototypes have been fabricated and tested successfully.

Magnetic levitation (maglev) is amongst the most advanced technologies that are available to the transportation industries. It has already been noticed by decision makers in many countries around the globe. Contrary to such high levels of interest, there are no practical algorithms available to the engineers and/or managers to assist them in analyzing economics of the maglev systems. Therefore, it has been the purpose of this research to find appropriate answers to such vital questions and also investigate feasibility for practical use of maglev technology in rapid transit systems. The life cycle costs (LCC) for the maglev system including the cost of initiating such projects are included in this survey and are evaluated. To serve the purpose, an algorithm is presented that facilitates the technical and economical analyses of maglev systems. The proposal for a long distance maglev system, Mashhad-Tehran (M-T), is used as a case study by using the proposed algorithm. Moreover, the cost of establishing and operating M-T project is estimated by two other different approaches. These include the already established mathematically based cost estimating method, and the cost estimations based on the international norms and standards. These standards are based on statistical (or provided) data. Such cost estimations assist verification of the proposed algorithm. Comparisons between outcomes of the three methods prove close agreement for the cost estimation by all of them. It is concluded that the proposed algorithm for implementation and operation of maglev route is practical.