The maglev train can maintain a maximum speed of 200-400 mph (320-640 kph) and is capable of fast acceleration and deceleration.Although the maglev line offers an even higher pace, it is necessary not to utilize the maximum speed for the safety and comfort of passengers. With severe air resistance and lack of friction, it still can retain pretty significant speed, safely.Magnetic levitation does not require much power from the maglev systems. However, the drag process devours most energy at peak performance and the vactrain lies somewhere in between. Maglev trains are built with simple but quite expensive parts.The Shanghai maglev train, (also called Shanghai Transrapid), is the fastest train and can sustain high speeds of up to 270 mph (430 kph). It lies between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Central Pudong, Shanghai. It goes up to 19 mi (30.5 km) in just eight minutes, which primarily is what seized significant media attention. Only Japan, China, and South Korea have this technology operational so far. It cost around $1.2 billion to build the Shanghai maglev demonstration line, costing over $39 million per kilometer.The Invention Of Maglev TrainsThe whole maglev system was conceptualized initially by Boris Petrovich Weinberg, Emile Bachelet, and Hermann Kemper. Let’s learn more about this invention.The pioneer of the liquid-fueled rocket, Robert H Goddard, took the structure of the magnetically levitated train into consideration as early as 1909.Later, in 1940, Eric Laithwaite introduced a functional linear motor induction model, which was then modified later in 1960.Dr. Gordon T Danby and Dr. James R Powell from Brookhaven National Laboratory got the first patent for the technology in 1967.Hypothetically it all started with Dr. Powell when he got stuck in traffic to Boston upon Throgs Neck Bridge and pondered on this idea. Later, he communicated the concept to Dr. Danby.Nothing was particularly new to them about the whole idea since they were used to using magnetic forces in various circumstances.They had the experience of making the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron, which was an incredible accelerator in terms of power.They proposed a model with superconducting electromagnets in a maglev project for electromagnetic attraction.This later model was supposed to trigger a suspension force to help keep the train afloat. These trains were intended to use a propeller or jet as thrust.They were awarded the Benjamin Franklin Medal in 2000 due to their engineering feat.Special Features Of Maglev TrainsThe maglev train mechanism is dependent on basic principles of magnets, where the lack of friction can shoot up the velocity beyond conventional train cars with fewer mechanical breakdowns.It floats upon the maglev track (guideway), which is made of magnetized coils to hold off the magnets underneath the train and facilitate the waft 0.39-3.93 in (1-10 cm) upward.After levitation, the power from the guideway develops a magnetic field to move the maglev train forward or backward.The current is generated within the guideway, and it comes across constant alterations to transpose the polarity of magnetized coils. This phenomenon in the frontal section causes a pull, and at the back of the train, a thrust tends to happen.When the train needs to stop, the magnets responsible for pulling the train make it so that the air friction gradually slows the train down when the changing electromagnets are not timed to pull it forward.The aerodynamic design allows this train to reach speeds up to 310 mph (500 kph) on a cushion of air, which is more than half of Boeing 777’s top speed of 562 mph (905 kph).Manufacturers were expecting that passengers will be able to use this train to commute 1000 mi (1609 km) in merely 2 hours.By late 2016, Japan had an even faster maglev train with a speed of 374 mph (601 kph).Electrodynamic suspensions with super-cooled mechanisms begun to be installed in Japan for magnetic repulsion. They are capable of generating electricity in the absence of guideway power.The system is supposed to be ergonomic by the presence of a power supply in the EMS system.Japan had shown to sustain energy in frigid temperatures by using a cryogenic system, which was quite cost-effective. Lately, Inductrack has been introduced.It is required to roll on rubber tires during levitation until it touches 93 mph (150 kph) in the EDS system.As magnetic fields are inevitable, passengers with pacemakers are recommended to use a shield.Countries That Have Maglev TrainsMaglev projects have been functional in some prime Asian regions and lately have been proposed to some new places too.The operational maglev lines encompass Shanghai Maglev, Tobu Kyuryo Line (Japan), Daejeon Expo Maglev, Incheon Airport Maglev, Changsha Maglev, Beijing S1 Line, Chuo Shinkansen, Fenghuang Maglev, and Qingyuan Maglev.Some test trains are operated at the AMT test track in Powder Springs, FTA’s UMTD program, San Diego, SC-Maglev, Yamanashi, Sengenthal, Germany, Chengdu, and Southwest Jiaotong Jiading Campus of Tongji University.The proposal has been introduced to various regions of Sydney-Illawarra, Melbourne, Canada, Beijing-Guangzhou, Shanghai-Hangzhou, Shanghai-Beijing, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Iran, Malaysia, Philippines, Switzerland (SwissRapide), London-Glasgow, Washington, DC-New York, Union Pacific freight conveyor, California-Nevada interstate, Pennsylvania, San Diego-Imperial County Airport, Orlando International Airport-Orange County Convention Center, and San Juan-Caguas.What are maglev trains known for?The traits of this kind of train systems speak for themselves. Let’s read more of its efficacy.It has so much more to offer compared to conventional trains, although experimental high-speed wheel-based trains are claiming to be catching up with this.There are no staff requirements on the field. Everything happens between maglev system towers and the train.Authorities can be free of maintenance and break down hassles. The train requires very minor attention in operational hours.Lack of rolling resistance helps to save power, actually making it an energy-efficient option contrary to popular belief.Superconducting magnets have their limitations when it comes to higher temperatures.Maglev technology trains also have not been completely and successfully tested in all kinds of climates yet.Their weight is distributed in an innovative way that somehow works to make them weigh less.They are not yet getting acclimatized with complex terrains (for example, mountain turns).In these trains, displaced air is responsible for the noise rather than wheels. However, psychoacoustic profiles can marginalize this inconvenience.
The maglev train can maintain a maximum speed of 200-400 mph (320-640 kph) and is capable of fast acceleration and deceleration.
