19-02-2011, 03:47 PM
Maglev.ppt (Size: 115.5 KB / Downloads: 354)
Maglev trains
• A few countries are using powerful electromagnets to develop high-speed trains, called maglev trains.
• Traveling at speeds of up to 310 mph (500 kph), maglev trains could begin connecting distant cities in a few years
How it works.
• A maglev train floats about 10mm above the guide way on a magnetic field.
• It is propelled by the guide way itself rather than an onboard engine by changing magnetic fields.
How it works con’t
• Once the train is pulled into the next section the magnetism switches so that the train is pulled on again.
• The Electro-magnets run the length of the guide way.
Advantages?
• Well it sounds high-tech, a floating train, they do offer certain benefits over conventional steel rail on steel wheel railways.
• The primary advantage is maintenance.
• Because the train floats along there is no contact with the ground and therefore no need for any moving parts.
• As a result there are no components that would wear out.
• In theory, this means, trains and track would need no maintenance at all.
• Note that there is still air resistance
• The second advantage is that because maglev trains float, there is no friction
• A third advantage is less noise.
• Because there are no wheels running along there is no wheel noise
• However noise due to air disturbance still occurs while the train is in motion.
• The final advantage is speed.
• As a result of the three previous listed it is more viable for maglev trains to travel extremely fast
• i.e. 500km/h or 300mph.
• Although this is possible with conventional rail it is not economically viable.
• Ah-ha tricked ya! There is one more advantage.
• Another advantage is that the guide way can be made a lot thicker in places.
• E.g. after stations and going uphill, Which would mean a maglev could get up to 300kmh (186mph) in only 5km where currently takes 18km.
• Also greater gradients would be applicable.
• O.k I mean it now this was the last one.