How Do Maglev and Inductrack Trains Operate?

[Brownie]

Hi All,

I am looking into Maglev, and Inductatrac trains. I thought that an in depth study of how they work, the pros and cons of them would make a good science fair project.
First of all do u guys know any websites i could find to look more into this, and any ideas for possible experiments. By the way, i am in grade 11, but studying grade 12 physics right now.

Thanx all

 

[quantumdude]

Hi,

Have you tried a Google search? I entered "maglev" and came up with a bunch of hits. I would stay away from people's personal websites, though. "dot-e-d-u" websites are the way to go, IMO.

Here's one:
http://faculty.washington.edu/~jbs/itrans/maglevq.htm

It is a list of websites, which I presume the faculty at Washington has checked out.

Come back if you need more help. I agree, that sounds like a great science project.

 

[Brownie]

Thanx for the website

http://my.execpc.com/~rhoadley/magtrain.htm

i found this website about a week ago ... but this experiment seems to be too easy.

What do u think i could do to this to make it a more complex project?

thanx for all of your help

 

[quantumdude]

Are you going to build it? I think that, combined with a good explanation of the phenomena, would be fine. You could also talk about some of the more advanced versions, such as superconducting maglev trains. (You can't build those, of course.)

 

[Brownie]

Hey ...

what if i created a sample Inductrack with a Halbach array

http://www.matchrockets.com/ether/halbach.html

thats the array

and

http://www.skytran.net/press/sciam02.htm

thats the inductrack



thanx

 

[quantumdude]

That looks like it would be good. Hopefully it's not too expensive!

 

[Brownie]

Ok

Do u have anyother ideas on this?

 

[quantumdude]

I would:

1. Build that working model.
2. Explain the theory.
3. Talk about the state-of-the-art of maglev (eg: superconductors).

I think that would make a good project.

 

[Brownie]

thanx

 

[Brownie]

I have looked all over the internet ... but i can't find any designs for the passive induction coils on the Inductrack concept ... could u help me with this.

Thanx