Maglev Train

Magnetic levitation is the latest in transportation technology and has been the interest of many countries around the world. The idea has been around since 1904 when Robert Goddard, an American Rocket scientist, created a theory that trains could be lifted off the tracks by the use of electromagnetic rails. Many assumptions and ideas were brought about throughout the following years, but it was not until the 1970’s that Japan and Germany showed interest in it and began researching and designing.The motion of the Maglev train is based purely on magnetism and magnetic fields. This magnetic field is produced by using high-powered electromagnets. By using magnetic fields, the Maglev train can be levitated above its track, or guideway, and propelled forward. Wheels, contact with the track, and moving parts are eliminated on the Maglev train, allowing the Maglev train to essentially move on air without friction.

How..it runs..

Maglev can be used for both low and high speed transportation. The low speed Maglev is used for short distance travel. Birmingham, England used this low speed transportation between the years of 1984 and 1995. However, engineers are more interested in creating the high-speed Maglev vehicles. The higher speed vehicle can travel at speeds of nearly 343mph or 552 km/h. Magnetic Levitation mainly uses two different types of suspension, which are Electromagnetic Suspension and Electrodynamic Suspension. However, a third suspension system (Intuctrack) has recently been developed and is in the research and design phase. These suspension systems are what keep the train levitated off the track.

PROPULSION SYSTEM

ELECTRODYNAMIC PROPULSION IS THE BASIS OF THE MOVEMENT IN A MAGLEV SYSTEM. THE BASIC PRINCIPLE THAT ELECTROMAGNETIC PROPULSION FOLLOWS IS THAT “OPPOSITE POLES ATTRACT EACH OTHER AND LIKE POLES REPEL EACH OTHER”. THIS MEANING THAT THE NORTH POLE OF A MAGNET WILL REPEL THE NORTH POLE OF A MAGNET WHILE IT ATTRACTS THE SOUTH POLE OF A MAGNET. LIKEWISE, THE SOUTH POLE OF A MAGNET WILL ATTRACT THE NORTH POLE AND REPEL THE SOUTH POLE OF A MAGNET. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REALIZE THESE THREE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THIS PROPULSION SYSTEM. THEY ARE: A large electrical power source, Metal coils that line the entire guideway,Guidance magnets used for alignment. Despite decades of research and development, only two commercial maglev transport systems are in operation, with two others under construction.In April 2004, Shanghai's Transrapid system began commercial operations. In March 2005, Japan began operation of its relatively low-speed HSST "Linimo" line in time for the 2005 World Expo. In its first three months, the Linimo line carried over 10 million passengers. South Korea and the People's Republic of China are both building low-speed maglev lines of their own designs, one in Beijing and the other at Seoul's Incheon Airport. The Shanghai Maglev Train, also known as the Transrapid, is the fastest commercial train currently in operation and has a top speed of 430km/h. The line was designed to connect Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the outskirts of central Pudong, Shanghai. It covers a distance of 30.5 kilometres in 8 minutes.Many maglev projects are controversial, and the technological potential, adoption prospects and economics of maglev systems are hotly debated.