SHUNT PROTECTION FOR SUPERCONDUCTING MAGLEV MAGNETS
Abstract Closely coupled, short-circuited shunt coils are proposed for quench protection of super-conducting Maglev magnets which use high resistance, matrix composite conductors. It is shown that, by suitable design, the shunts can reduce ac losses and that the changing currents during magnet energization or vehicle lift off and landing can be tolerated.
The Canadian high speed magnetically levitated vehicle system
Describes a technically feasible high speed (400-480 km/h) guided ground transportation system, based on the use of the vehicle-borne superconducting magnets for electrodynamic suspension and guidance and for linear synchronous motor propulsion which has been defined as a future modal option for Canadian application. A variety of sophisticated analytical techniques have been developed to establish a comprehensive theoretical base for conceptual design studies. Analysis and design proposals have been validated by large-scale tests on a rotating wheel facility and by modelling system components and their interactions. It is concluded that the proposed Maglev system is a sufficiently promising approach to high speed guided ground transport to warrant an assessment of its economic viability in Canada, the development of critical components (particularly lightweight superconducting magnets), and continued technical refinement.
Resource Allocation In R&D Departments
AbstractThis paper examines the problem of allocating funds within research and development organizations, where several departments and multiple research areas must be considered. Furthermore, impacts arising from budget shifts must be measured in terms of various factors or criteria that may be qualitative or quantitative. Using a particular research and development organization, Ontario Hydro, as a backdrop, we develop a framework for evaluating budget changes when (a) multiple criteria, (b) multiple opinions, and (c) qualitative factors are involved. A three stage procedure for budget allocation is proposed. In the first stage, management responses regarding the perceived impacts of budget changes are combined to arrive at a consensus. In stage two, the multiple criteria consensus values are used to derive an overall impact rating for each proposed budget shift pertaining to each of a set of research areas. Finally, in stage three an optimal subset of budget shifts is chosen from the set of all possib...