HYPERLOOP

The Overhyped Fifth

Mode of Transportation

Ajay Jain
BCA IIIrd Year (MDS University)
History
• Elon Musk - Creator

• Need for 5th mode of transportation

• Requirements for mass transit alternative

• Pneumatic Tube

• High-speed Rail
Travel Time Comparisons (615 Kms)
Mode of Transportation Approx. Travel Time (Minutes)
Airplane 83
Car 328
High-Speed Rail 160
Hyperloop 35
Introduction
• Hyperloop is fast becoming considered the future of transportation
around the globe. It will soon be our fifth primary mode of transport
(after aircraft, trains, boats and cars) and promises to provide fast, easy
and environmentally friendly transportation which is cost effective as
well.

• Hyperloop is emerging as a mode of transportation which will

change the way we live together – literally moving passenger traffic and
freight transport at supersonic speeds and bringing us all closer together.
Introduction
• The Hyperloop System consists of two one-way low pressure tubes
with capsules that transports passengers inside them between termini
located at each end. Capsules can travel at both low and high speeds
throughout the length of the tube.
• Passengers are allowed to enter and exit the capsules at stations
located at either ends of the tube, or at the end of branches along the
tube length.
• Capsules travel in air tight tubes over a low pressure air cushion and
are propelled by magnetic linear accelerators fixed inside the low
pressure tube and rotors fixed beneath each capsule.
Introduction
• The termini are connected with low pressure tubes using a
compression airlock at the inlet and decompression airlock at the outlet
of tubes in the terminus.

• The arriving capsule enters the compression airlock where the tube
pressure is equalized with the air pressure of the station which
decelerates the capsule speed. Similarly, when departing, the capsule
moves towards the decompression airlock where the air pressure is
lowered up to the operating level of the Hyperloop tube which
accelerates the capsule to higher speeds.
Working of Hyperloop
• The passenger capsules are propelled by two electromagnetic
motors. These are aimed to travel at a top speed of 760 miles per
hour.
• The tube tracks do have a vacuum with very low pressure inside
them. Objects moving through the airtubes will end up compressing
the air in front, providing a cushion of air that slows the object down.
The hyperloop will also feature a compressor fan in the front of the
capsule. Much of the air is sent to the air bearings.
Working of Hyperloop
• Air bearings are ski like paddles that levitate the capsules above the
surface of the tube to reduce friction.
• The tube track is designed to be immune to earthquakes,etc. They
are also designed to be self-powering and unobstructive. Each tube
can move around flexibly because there isn’t a constant track that
the capsules rely on. Solar panels on top the track supply power to
the periodic motors.
Problems with Hyperloop
•Since the Hyperloop lines need to be straight for the best performance,
the public and private lands would be gobbled up for this project.

•The Hyperloop seating arrangement are very small with limited legroom.

•Even if the Hyperloop is a green project, it doesn’t guarantee the public

it is going to be completely crash-proof.
Issues with Hyperloop
• Costs are underestimated

• Technology not ready

• Lack of political support

Costs Underestimated

• Only cost of materials

• No account for unforeseen

engineering/technological problems

• Can’t be calculated from downtown to

downtown

• More expensive/person
Lack of Political Support

• Musk not willing to lead

• No politicians

• Knowledge not wide-spread

• Lack of public support

Technology not ready
• No prototypes

• Engineering/physics

• Not tested

• Not verifiable
Benefits of Hyperloop
• It would take half the time of an airplane to travel from one
location to another.

• The hyperloops’ primary energy source is the sun

• Much of the structure would be below ground

• The estimates for what it would cost to build the hyperloop is very
low.
Conclusion
• Hyperloop may be future

• Not near-future

• Not ready at current state

• Needs:

• Advancements in technology

• Political support