Here is another concern I have about the concept: sag between pylons.
If there is just 5mm of sag in 30m (100ft) then the air bearing plates will experience a 10Hz vertical judder of 1g. If that were transmitted to the passengers, it would liquify thier innerds (or at least be really uncomfortable.)
I think it is clear that to maintain the passanger compartment vibration free while the air bearings are doing the watusi will require sophisiticated active control perhaps involving a linear motor with control laws based on knowledge of the upcoming sections of tube plus the ability to respond to unpredicatable situations.
However, a better solution would be continuous active adjustment of the vertical position of the tube using a number of actuators spaced between each pylon. Some sort of sensor array, perhaps laser based, would monitor the position of the tube along its length.
And while I have the floor, I think it is obvious there need to be interdigitated expansion joints at each pylon. And I am still nervious about the air bearings going over the relatively small (1 inch) joints.
Here I show my work:
Approximately 10Hz from the spacing and speed.
d= sag*0.5*sin(2*pi*10*t)
v= sag*0.5*(2*pi*10)*cos(2*pi*10*t)
a= sag*0.5*(2*pi*10)^2*sin(2*pi*10*t)
amax= sag*0.5*(2*pi*10)^2
a= 9.8m/s^2, sag= 9.8/(0.5*(2*pi*10)^2)
sag= 5mm
Note: I am thinking about things like this because I had the same (but less violent) issues with my own attempt at solving the world's transportation issues:
Patent US6202566 - High-speed high-capacity transportation system - Google Patents
Unfortunately, I am a starter and not a finisher and lost interest almost the same day I sent off the pattent application. I have now let it lapse.