29-06-2012, 05:28 PM
Magnetic Levitation Train Final Report
Magnetic Levitation Train.pdf (Size: 631.07 KB / Downloads: 46)
Abstract
The objective of this project is to create a laboratory scale magnetic levitating train model
using Inductrack technology developed by Dr. Richard Post from Lawrence Livermore
National Labs, Previous work by Paul Friend is discussed as well as the physics
associated with Inductrack. The levitation and propulsion systems built in lab is
described. The conclusion includes the results and suggestions for future work on the
maglev train.
Inductrack Technology
The Inductrack Technology uses the basic concepts above to first propel and then levitate
a train. The train consists of at least two sets of Halbach arrays. One set is placed over
the track to levitate the train, while the other set is placed above the motor to provide
propulsion.
When the motor is powered, the train begins to move on wheels along the track. The
levitation Halbach array induces current in the track which induces a magnetic field
around the slits to oppose the magnetic field of the levitation Halbach array. This
produces the levitation. The faster the train moves, the higher the train levitates. Paul
Friend’s research helped him plot levitation height vs. the velocity of the train as shown
in Figure 4.1. In this example, the train reaches a peak height due to the lessened effect
of the magnets on the track. The height and velocity of the track are dependent on
parameters of the track and Halbach array.
Previous Work
In 2004, Paul Friend began working on a MAGLEV model with the help of Dr. Richard
Post, PhD. With Dr. Post’s equations and concepts, Paul was able to create a
sophisticated Matlab program that can calculate various train parameters (velocity, drag
force, etc.) based off of the specifications of the train car and track. Using his program,
Paul then constructed a wheel-track test platform (Figure 7.2).
Levitation
The goal of the levitation portion of this project was to prove that levitation is possible
and to optimize the track and train to get sufficient levitation at the lowest possible
speeds. The Matlab program was used to optimize the track and car parameters using the
specifications of cost-effective materials. The design settled on provided 1cm of
levitation at about 9m/s. The following subsections will detail the design of the wheel
track test platform and car.
Conclusion
Great progress was made on both the levitation and propulsion systems of the MAGLEV
project. This is the second time that students at Bradley University have constructed the
pieces of a scale model, MAGLEV train. With each project comes a wealth of
information for the next students to digest before making their optimizations to the
design. We hope that our progress will see to it that one day Bradley will have a working
scale model of a magnetic levitation train.
Magnetic Levitation Train.pdf (Size: 631.07 KB / Downloads: 46)
Abstract
The objective of this project is to create a laboratory scale magnetic levitating train model
using Inductrack technology developed by Dr. Richard Post from Lawrence Livermore
National Labs, Previous work by Paul Friend is discussed as well as the physics
associated with Inductrack. The levitation and propulsion systems built in lab is
described. The conclusion includes the results and suggestions for future work on the
maglev train.
Inductrack Technology
The Inductrack Technology uses the basic concepts above to first propel and then levitate
a train. The train consists of at least two sets of Halbach arrays. One set is placed over
the track to levitate the train, while the other set is placed above the motor to provide
propulsion.
When the motor is powered, the train begins to move on wheels along the track. The
levitation Halbach array induces current in the track which induces a magnetic field
around the slits to oppose the magnetic field of the levitation Halbach array. This
produces the levitation. The faster the train moves, the higher the train levitates. Paul
Friend’s research helped him plot levitation height vs. the velocity of the train as shown
in Figure 4.1. In this example, the train reaches a peak height due to the lessened effect
of the magnets on the track. The height and velocity of the track are dependent on
parameters of the track and Halbach array.
Previous Work
In 2004, Paul Friend began working on a MAGLEV model with the help of Dr. Richard
Post, PhD. With Dr. Post’s equations and concepts, Paul was able to create a
sophisticated Matlab program that can calculate various train parameters (velocity, drag
force, etc.) based off of the specifications of the train car and track. Using his program,
Paul then constructed a wheel-track test platform (Figure 7.2).
Levitation
The goal of the levitation portion of this project was to prove that levitation is possible
and to optimize the track and train to get sufficient levitation at the lowest possible
speeds. The Matlab program was used to optimize the track and car parameters using the
specifications of cost-effective materials. The design settled on provided 1cm of
levitation at about 9m/s. The following subsections will detail the design of the wheel
track test platform and car.
Conclusion
Great progress was made on both the levitation and propulsion systems of the MAGLEV
project. This is the second time that students at Bradley University have constructed the
pieces of a scale model, MAGLEV train. With each project comes a wealth of
information for the next students to digest before making their optimizations to the
design. We hope that our progress will see to it that one day Bradley will have a working
scale model of a magnetic levitation train.