We fabricated a mono-link using bimodal magnetic elastomers that demonstrate drastic changes in the elastic modulus by magnetic fields. The magnetic elastomer is bimodal consisting of large magnetic particles and nonmagnetic fine particles. The storage modulus for bimodal magnetic elastomers was altered from 2.2 × 105 to 1.7 × 106 Pa by a magnetic field of 500 mT. Compression tests up to a strain of 20% also revealed that the on-field stress for the bimodal magnetic elastomer was 1.24 times higher than the off-field stress. The bimodal magnetic elastomer was synthesized for the mono-link and was mounted on the bogie of a railway vehicle. A running test exhibited that the wheel lateral force was reduced by 20% by applying a magnetic field of 390 mT.

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To improve the performance and riding comfort of tilt-controlled vehicles, we developed a next-generation tilt control system that uses a position detecting system, a novel tilt pattern, high performance tilt actuators and other new technical elements. Under this system, the running train position is detected by curvature collation based on GPS signals and the tilting angle target pattern calculated to optimize the riding comfort evaluation index. The pattern thus created is called the JT pattern, according to which the tilt actuators are electro-hydraulically powered. Running tests have proved that low-frequency vibration causes train motion sickness has decreased as a result of this system.

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