1 asas Small-Scale Implementation of Magnetic Levitation Train Nathan Black Ben James Greg Koo Vivek Kumar Preston Rhea Wednesday, March 11, 2009

2 What is Maglev? What: Low friction, high-speed magnetically-levitating (Maglev) train Why: Zero-emissions, low maintenance, energy efficient, quiet Applications: Intercity/Intracity transport of people and freight

3 Project Overview Small-scale Maglev train Proof-of-concept Build awareness Project cost: $380 Objectives: Levitation Stabilization Propulsion

4 Design Objectives CriteriaSpecifications LevitationNo contact between train and track Vertical Stability+/- 6 mm Horizontal Stability+/- 4 mm Torsional Stability+/- 10 degrees PropulsionUser Controlled: 0-5 mph Train LoadingMust support 0.5 lbs

5 Project Components Track Propulsion System Train Car 5

6 Track Design Two sets of parallel strips, magnetized through-thickness 4’ x 6’ rectangular track with curved corners

7 Train Car: Overview Dimensions: 6” x 4” x 1” Materials: Styrofoam, Plexiglass, Neodymium Permanent Magnets

8 Train Car: Halbach Array

9 Magnetic Field Interaction Vertical Stabilization Lateral Stabilization Torsional Stabilization Max. Flux Density Min. Flux Density

10 Propulsion – Linear Synchronous Motor 3Ø Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) powered by AC current source 18 AWG Cu wire between rails interacting with Halbach array I1I1 I2I2 I3I3

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12 Demonstration Five complete laps around track at uniform speed Carry a load of 0.5 lbs Perform according to stability constraints

13 Problems with Initial Design Inductrack I model Total Cost: $1,000 Track Length: 1m 30 turns per coil

14 Problems with Current Design Magnetic strength of rail Initial stabilization of disk magnet in between rails Structural alignment, spacing, and rigidity of track rails

15 Cost Breakdown Magnet Wire - $70 Magnetic Strips - $300 Neodymium Magnets - $10 Total: $380

16 Project Schedule PDR Presentation MAR Construct Train and Track 11 FEB 4 AMT Visit Construct LSM 23 APR First Design Fails 25 MAY Testing Final Presentation 1 22

17 Current Status Constructing 3’ straight segment of track Winding 3’ LSM Constructing Halbach array Gluing levitation/stabilization magnets to train car

18 Questions?