A high-speed moving-track test system was designed and built for the aerodynamic testing of magnetically levitated vehicle (Maglev) models. The moving-track test system was configured to match wind speeds up to 150 miles per hour and to extend a sufficient distance upstream and downstream of the test-vehicle model to provide a uniform flowfield at the model nose and to simulate proper closure of the flowfield at the rear of the model. Extensive flowfield testing around the track system confirmed its capability to properly simulate the flow around the high-speed tracked vehicle. The selected Maglev model was tested with the moving-track system, and aerodynamic forces and moments were measured. Hot-wire anemometer surveys were used to examine the flowfield behind the model and the turbulence levels and transition location on the vehicle nose. Flow visualization tests were also conducted to verify the nature of the flowfield found in the velocity surveys. Testing included direct measurement of skin friction at selected locations on the model. Separate tests were conducted with the track system removed from the tunnel. The resulting data provide a database for use in the design of Maglev systems and for comparison with computer analyses.
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Tyll et al. (1996) studied this question.