Maglev Trains - Project

Maglev is simply composed from the merge of the words magnets and levitation, which
ultimately is the concept behind Maglev trains. In these trains, electrical energy is converted to
mechanical energy, allowing the concept of wheels to be almost completely eliminated as it levitates and
propels on the tracks using the physics of superconductors and magnetic fields. Superconductors are
electromagnets made from coils of superconducting wire and are responsible for levitating the train.
Superconductivity is defined as a substance having the ability to conduct electricity with zero resistance at
a colder “critical temperature”. This critical temperature ranges to negative four-hundred and fifty degrees
fahrenheit and affects the electrons to be bound together in a cooper pair. This bond allows electrons to
flow more efficiently through the conducting wire and it’s lattice structure and reduces thermal vibration,
ultimately reducing resistance to zero and retaining the intensity of the current. As a result of the
eliminated resistance, the superconductors are highly efficient and therefore conduct a stronger magnetic
field. In addition to this, the superconductive material has the ability to repel magnetic fields from
entering through a cylindrical shape because it’s electrons create small electron coils, resulting in being
able to strongly oppose other magnets (as shown below). In order for superconductors to remain
operational, the critical temperature and current density must be kept at specific levels and be monitored.

Furthermore, the concept of magnets repelling and attracting and electromagnetism is simply
what provides propulsion for the train. The guideway walls of the train consist of wire coils in which
electrical power is supplied to create a current which will then induce a magnetic field
(electromagnetism). These magnetic fields then create fields of attraction and repulsion. The Maglev train
comes in different two types of systems, an electromagnetic suspension (EMS), which uses the attractive
magnetic force of a magnet beneath a rail to lift the train up and electrodynamic suspension (EDS), which
uses a repulsive force between two magnetic fields to push the train away from the rail. In EDS, when
superconductors and magnetic fields are combined, the Maglev train is able to create the two main
features that are needed for the train to operate; levitation and propulsion. In order for these two actions to
occur, the magnets within the train are required to be positioned specifically. The train body itself has
superconductors along the side and creates strong magnetic fields which are repelled or attracted to
surrounding magnets. The surrounding materials in the Maglev train system are the electromagnets that
are contained in the guideway rails of the train. These two side beams along both sides of the train contain
many aluminum levitation and guide coils and propulsion coils which are connected to an electrical power
source and are shaped respectively (as shown below).
The levitation and guide coils have a current flowing through them and create a magnetic field that only
repels the superconductive metal within the train and therefore creates levitation and stability. On the
other hand, the propulsion coils within the wall are powered by an alternating current, which causes a
change in polarity of the magnetics, allowing for a continuous repulsion and attraction and therefore
moving the train forward and accelerating (as shown below). In an EDS system, in order to initiate
levitation and movement, rubber tires are used to reach a levitating speed of 150km/h, after which they
can retract in and levitation occurs.

Maglev trains are now used as a method of transportation in areas such as Japan, South Korea,
Germany and China. They usually consist of a sleek aerodynamic appearance for compatibility with air at
high-speeds. These trains typically range from low speeds varying at 100km/h-130km/h to max speeds
from 400km/h to 500km/h with the world’s fastest being the Shanghai Transrapid train in Pudong,
Shanghai with a top operating speed of 430km/h. In Maglev trains, the concept of levitation eliminates
friction and improves efficiency with higher speeds, have lower operating costs and are safer as they are
impossible to crash because they operate at same speeds, but it cost $80-$100 million dollars to build its
infrastructure, seats less people than normal trains and switches tracks slower.
 Bibliography

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