How do Electromagnets work in Maglev's?

AI Thread Summary
Electromagnets in maglev trains operate by creating a magnetic field that both levitates and propels the train. The system uses sequentially activated electromagnets along the track to generate a moving magnetic field, which pulls the train forward while keeping it suspended above the track. This method allows for smooth and efficient travel without physical contact between the train and the track. The analogy of moving magnets with a nail illustrates how the magnetic forces interact to achieve levitation and propulsion. Understanding this principle is crucial for grasping the technology behind maglev systems.
Josh1212
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I need to grasp an understanding of how electromagnets work in a maglev train system for my senior physics research task but I am having trouble understanding what the sources I find are saying.

I was wondering if anybody would be able to explain how the electromagnets make the train move and also keep it levitated.

Thank you

Josh

P.S - I have a sound knowledge of electromagnetic induction so feel free to use detail, thanks.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I'm not sure at what level of difficulty your understanding is at (conceptual, implementation, electromagnetic analysis, modeling of train), but I'll attempt to answer at higher-levels.

For a VERY high-level overview:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev_train#Technology

For a (slightly) lower-level overview...

Imagine you have two permanent bar magnets in your two hands. Now imagine you've got your two hands in front of you, one magnet in each (closed) fist, with the north of one magnet facing the south of the other, and a small space in-between with an iron nail. Now you move your hands forward and drag the nail along without having to actually touch the nail (unless you have weak magnets).

Now, change the arms to be tracks, the nail to be a train, and instead of moving permanent magnets, you have electromagnets all the way down both tracks that turn on (and off) in sequence, moving a region of magnetization down the track, and you've got a (type of) Maglev. Or a rail gun.
 
Thats great,
It makes so much more sense than what a lot of websites were saying

Thank you so much
 
Oops... That should've been Gauss Rifle (or coil gun), not rail gun.
 
Hi all I have some confusion about piezoelectrical sensors combination. If i have three acoustic piezoelectrical sensors (with same receive sensitivity in dB ref V/1uPa) placed at specific distance, these sensors receive acoustic signal from a sound source placed at far field distance (Plane Wave) and from broadside. I receive output of these sensors through individual preamplifiers, add them through hardware like summer circuit adder or in software after digitization and in this way got an...
I have recently moved into a new (rather ancient) house and had a few trips of my Residual Current breaker. I dug out my old Socket tester which tell me the three pins are correct. But then the Red warning light tells me my socket(s) fail the loop test. I never had this before but my last house had an overhead supply with no Earth from the company. The tester said "get this checked" and the man said the (high but not ridiculous) earth resistance was acceptable. I stuck a new copper earth...
Thread 'Beauty of old electrical and measuring things, etc.'
Even as a kid, I saw beauty in old devices. That made me want to understand how they worked. I had lots of old things that I keep and now reviving. Old things need to work to see the beauty. Here's what I've done so far. Two views of the gadgets shelves and my small work space: Here's a close up look at the meters, gauges and other measuring things: This is what I think of as surface-mount electrical components and wiring. The components are very old and shows how...
Back
Top