| This dissertation studies the tubular linear induction motor (TLIM) for application in a pneumatic capsule pipeline (PCP) system. The TLIM concept is used to develop a non-intrusive capsule pump for the PCP to transport freight. Employing the non-intrusive capsule pump allows the capsule free passage through the pump, thereby increasing the system throughput.; In this dissertation, the TLIM equations and TLIM design procedure for the PCP are developed. The fluid mechanics equations related to the PCP and used in the PCP design procedure are given. The performance of the TLIM is calculated based on the equivalent circuit models. The influence of the longitudinal end effects, which reduce the performance of the TLIM, is also observed with the end effects incorporated into the equivalent circuit model. In addition, the net normal force in the TLIM, which can be either repulsive or attractive, depending on the capsule speed, is also analyzed.; Using the developed equations and procedures, designs of the TLIM for a one-meter diameter PCP system are presented. Then, a performance evaluation of the selected TLIM design is made. Finally, experimental data obtained from a small-scale laboratory PCP-TLIM are used to verify the theory, and a comparison of the theoretical predictions with the measured results is presented. |
