Magnetic Levitation Vehicles

Introduction:

As we move toward the twenty first century, an analysis of our transportation needs indicates that the systems we have in place today may not be capable of supporting our transportation needs for the future. Because of the growing need for quicker and more efficient methods for moving people and goods, researchers have turned to a new technique, one using electromagnetic rails and trains. This rail system is referred to as magnetic levitation, or maglev. Maglev is a generic term for any transportation system in which vehicles are suspended and guided by magnetic forces. Instead of engines, maglev vehicles use electromagnetism to levitate (raise) and propel the vehicle. Alternating current creates a magnetic field that pushes and pulls the vehicle and keeps it above the support structure, called a guide way.
There are two basic types of maglev - electromagnetic suspension (EMS) and electrodynamic suspension (EDS). EMS depends on attractive force. Electromagnets on the vehicle are drawn toward a pair of steel rails. Most of the vehicle rides above the rails but the magnets wrap beneath the rail. As the magnets pull the vehicle upward, their current is electromagnetically regulated to maintain a constant gap between the rails and the vehicle. EDS, on the other hand, is based on repulsive force. The vehicle contains superconducting magnets that induce a repulsive force in a conducting guide way as the vehicle moves along it. Superconducting electromagnets are much more powerful than ordinary electromagnets. West Germany and Japan have successfully tested maglev systems. The West German maglev system uses conventional electromagnets (EMS). The Japanese prototype uses superconducting electromagnets (EDS).
Friction exists in all transportation systems. Friction causes energy loss, generates heat and mechanical wear on the parts of the system. The lower the friction between two surfaces, the less force is required to move the vehicle. Therefore, friction must be reduced as much as possible to make the system more efficient. The reduction of friction in a maglev system provides a comfortable, smooth ride, eliminates noise, and can lower maintenance costs. Most important of all, the lack of friction allows maglev vehicles to travel at speeds over 300 miles per hour.
Maglev systems have many safety and health impacts. Maglev systems are predicted to be very safe compared to similar systems of mass transit. The vehicles cannot derail due to the track design. The vehicle is "locked" onto the guide way. They also do not carry on-board fuel, therefore, it should be safer in the event of a crash. Because the vehicle does not touch the guide way, accidents related to weather and wear will be minimized. A health concern is that people must be shielded from the magnetic field radiation.
Maglev also has a variety of environmental impacts. A maglev guide way doesn't require a very wide thoroughfare therefore consuming less land. The guide way could even be built on existing interstate highway rights of way. Because the guide ways are elevated, they have useable land underneath. Maglev also consumes less natural resources. While we are growing more and more dependent on petroleum in an unstable oil market, maglev is only 30% dependent of petroleum. Maglev vehicles use only one-fourth to one-half as much energy as jets and automobiles.
Pioneering maglev research was done in the U.S. from the late 1960's until 1975 when all federally funded work was canceled. In 1988 the maglev effort was revived and for now is still alive. High speed maglev is now at the point railroads were at in the 1820's - plans are being made and groundbreaking appears likely. Two plans are now in the works: a 250 mile route from the outskirts of Los Angeles to Las Vegas and a 13 mile airport connector in Orlando, Florida. The technology is available, the problem is financing. The initial cost of setting up a maglev system is great. Industry lacks incentive to make major financial commitments to maglev because of the long-term nature of the investment. Help must come from the federal government.
This activity will allow you the opportunity to design, build, and test a magnetic levitation transportation system.

Problem:

A local transit company is planning to construct a transportation system based on magnetically levitated vehicles. The new system will provide commuters with fast, economical, and safe transportation to and from work. As a member of the design team, your responsibility is to design and construct a maglev model that will travel the eight foot length of the magnetic guide way in the lab,as fast as possible. Variables such as weight, shape, distribution of the load, resistance with the track, guidance, height of levitation, number of magnets, and aerodynamics should be considered.

Specifications:

1. You may use up to six ceramic magnets supplied by the teacher. A good design should rely on each magnet to lift fifteen grams of the total vehicle weight. Each magnet weighs about nine grams. Motors weigh about 40 grams.

2. Your vehicle can only be propelled by gravity, the track propulsion device, or a motor and propeller.

3. The rails of the track are 2-9/16 inches apart.

4. The vehicle should be no longer than six inches.

Hints:

1. Guidance is best achieved if the magnets, not the vehicle body, rub against the track rails. The body can be much narrower than the track if the magnets stick out on each side for guidance. The magnets should be exactly 1" apart from side to side.

2. Usually, the higher the vehicle levitates, the better it performs.

3. The load (weight) should be distributed evenly. Vehicles that ride level do very well.

4. Aerodynamics of the vehicle body affects performance very little. However, since you are constructing models of actual maglev vehicles, you should consider aerodynamics when designing your vehicle body.

5. Decorations can and should be added to your vehicle. Most spray paints will dissolve styrofoam but you can use permanent marker, latex paint, or stickers.

Evaluation:

1. The following are required:

  • thumbnail sketches/rough sketch = 10 pts
  • maglev vehicle creativity/originality = 15 pts
  • maglev vehicle workmanship = 15 pts
  • maglev vehicle performance (speed) = 15 pts

    • 2. In addition, winners of each of the following will receive additional points:

  • Most Creative (as voted by class) = 10 pts
  • Best Built (as voted by class) = 10 pts
  • Fastest = 10 pts

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