Magnetically Levitated Trains (MagLev) By Sarah Holko
What are MagLev trains? MagLev uses Electromagnetic Propulsion. Trains are thrust forward by positively and negatively charged magnets. The train floats on a cushion of air eliminating friction.
MagLev “Guideways” or Tracks Track repels magnets on undercarriage of train, sending the train forward. Train levitates between 1 and 10 cm above guideway.
MagLev vs. Conventional Trains MagLev Trains Conventional Trains No Friction = Less Maintenance Routine Maintenance Needed No Engine = No fuel required Engine requires fossil fuels Speeds in excess of 300 mph Speeds up to 110 mph
Better for the Environment Less energy consumption because no rail-track friction Requires no fossil fuel which can harm the environment. Less noise pollution since the train never hits the track MagLev guideways and trains take up less space than conventional trains
Other MagLev Applications Disneyland’s California Adventure Coaster California Screamin’ roller coaster uses MagLev technology to propel car from 0-55 mph in less than 5 seconds! Disneyland® - California Screamin'
Other MagLev Applications U.S. military is looking into using MagLev Possible uses could include: Rocket launching Aircraft carrier launching pad Space craft launching
Travel Speeds At 300 mph, you could travel to Paris to Rome in just 2 hours! Anaheim to Las Vegas in just 86 minutes, and cheaper than flying!!!! Maglev
References Bonsor, Kevin. “How Maglev Trains Work”. 5 September, 2002. <http://travel.howstuffworks.com/maglev-train.htm> Keating, Oliver. “Maglevs (Magnetically Levitated Trains)”. 16 June, 2000. <http://www.okeating.com/hsr/maglev.htm> Disney Online. “California Screamin’”. August, 1999. <http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/attractions/detail?name=CaliforniaScreaminAttractionPage> MagLev Systems. “Electromagnetic Systems”. General Atomics and Affiliated Companies. 2005. <http://www.ga.com/atg/ems.php>.