Physics project Maglev Trains Essay Example for Free

Physics project Maglev Trains Essay Maglev trains are the means of transport clear – cut for the rapid and modernised society of the 21st century. With top speeds of 500 km/h the maglev trains can travel as fast as passenger aircrafts for a lower cost and with minimal impact to the environment. They are in fact possibly one of the best discoveries and one of the most promising sector in the future travel industry. The Laws of Physics The Maglev train is based on – 1. Magnetism – When two sets of magnets, one on the guide way and the other on the train have like poles facing each other repulsion takes place. It is this repulsive force that drives the train forward. 1. Electromagnetism – The magnets used are no ordinary magnets – they are electromagnets. A solenoid is made using wires and an aluminium core. When current flows through the wires the magnet is magnetised. The speed of the train can be controlled by the amount of current being supplied to the electromagnets. How is magnetic levitation achieved? There are two ways to levitate the train – 1. Electromagnetic suspension where electromagnets on the train body get attracted to the iron rails. After this, constantly switching the electromagnets on and off at a fast rate allows the train to levitate 2. Electro-dynamic suspension where the magnetised coil running along the guide way repels the magnets on the undercarriage of the train. Both these techniques allow the train to levitate 1 to 10 cm above the ground and give the feeling it is floating in air. How are Maglev trains propelled? Once the train has got levitated power is supplied to the coils in the guide way walls to create a unique system of magnetic fields that pull and push the train. The current supplied is AC, alternating current, and thus it keeps alternating to change the polarity of the magnetised coils. This ensures that any one time the magnets behind the carriage are repelling it to push it forward while the coils in front are attracting it, pulling it forward. This push and pull occurs simultaneously. The Newest Technology Maglev trains regularly reach speeds of 500 km/h since they do not need to resist friction. The only resistance is air resistance. This too can be overcome by building vacuum tubes through which these trains would travel and theoretically speaking such trains could even reach speeds such as 3500 km/h making inter – continental travel possible. Performance Comparison Maglev trains are much more efficient than common trains which run on fuel. Firstly, they are faster since they do not deal with friction. Secondly, they are cheaper since no fuel is burnt during the propulsion and minimal electricity is used since only certain parts of the track need to be energised at one point. Thirdly, it is safer since there is no chance of collision or derailment or at least a very minute chance compared to common trains. Lastly, these trains are much more environmentally friendly since they do not pollute the environment by releasing any toxic gases unlike common trains which do so. Bibliography Information Source The Guide Way and the Undercarriages http://science. howstuffworks. com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train. htm Future of Maglev Trains http://www. bbc. com/future/story/20120504-the-floating-future-of-trains How do Maglev Trains Levitate? http://www. lanl.gov/orgs/mpa/stc/train. shtml History and Introduction to Maglev Trains http://www. 21stcenturysciencetech. com/articles/Summer03/maglev2. html Magnetic Propulsion http://ffden-2. phys. uaf. edu/211_fall2002. web. dir/Adam_Caswell/page%201. htm Image Pg No. Source Maglev.