Alternative Propulsion Methods for Maglev Models Using DC Motors

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mefi
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Hey there!

I need to build a working model of a maglev-train, which will hover over permanent magnets on a track, and which will have to have a propulsion system.

My question is whether there is a way of getting an accelration not using a propellar? As part of the project, I've been given an electric DC motor, which obviously is intended to drive the train forward in some way.

Magnetics is not my strongest subject, but what I've been thinking is that rotating a magnet in the cart might drive it forward? If all the magnets in the track are pointing the same way, how would I be able drive the cart forward this way?

Might someone have another idea on how to do this?

Thanks in advance!
//Viktor
 
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I think that some maglevs use linear motors:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_motor

For a possibly simpler method. What about having a C-channel embedded into the ground, between your levitating tracks. You then use a belt from the DC motor to drive a pinion of some sort which rides in the C-channel. You can suspend the whole thing on a spring so that effects of "magnetic bounce" can be negated.
 
minger said:
I think that some maglevs use linear motors:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_motor

For a possibly simpler method. What about having a C-channel embedded into the ground, between your levitating tracks. You then use a belt from the DC motor to drive a pinion of some sort which rides in the C-channel. You can suspend the whole thing on a spring so that effects of "magnetic bounce" can be negated.

Thanks for the input! The problem though is that the material give is the material I can use, or well, I can not however buy new stuff that will drive my model forward, I can only use the DC motor..
I am neither allowed to build something that will touch the track on the vertical plane.
And upon describing the track, I was not clear enough I think.. It has magnets running along both sides of the track, but also magnets running along the middle, with one magnet's length spacing between them. Like a ladder.